Sunlight fell on the glazed tiles, gleaming with dazzling golden light. The massive building complex sat proudly, showcasing its extraordinary nature. Covering a total area of three thousand acres, countless people passed through here. This place was a well-known name across the Xingluo Empire.
The White Tiger Duke Mansion.
A straight path connected to the main gate of the mansion, twenty meters wide. On either side, every fifteen meters, there stood a century-old tree. The thick, leafy canopies allowed a few beams of golden sunlight to pierce through like sharp swords.
Next to the main gate stood two white tiger statues, lifelike and majestic.
The crisp sound of horse hooves echoed along the path.
The guards stationed at the gate stared sharply at the approaching figure. But soon, as the figure drew closer, the sharpness in their eyes turned to delight. A middle-aged man with three scars on his face stepped forward excitedly and respectfully said:"Young Master."
Dai Yaoheng rode on horseback, smiling and nodding."It's been a long time since I returned. I finally have some time, so I plan to see Mother."
The scarred middle-aged man waved his hand, and the rest of the White Tiger guards immediately opened the gate. He smiled and said:"Madam will be very happy to know you've returned."
Dai Yaoheng smiled lightly and, under the gaze of everyone, entered the vast mansion.
As he traveled through the mansion, all the servants and guards hurriedly saluted. Though he hadn't returned in a long time, most of the White Tiger Mansion's servants and guards were lifelong staff and would recognize him.
But when he reached the stables, his expression changed. On the far left, several horses with completely black coats, faint purple hues, and not a single speck of stray hair stood out. These were Phantom Horses, bred by the Lingmao Duke Mansion.
"Someone from the Lingmao Duke Mansion came?" Dai Yaoheng asked the stable manager.
The man hurriedly replied:"Yes, Young Master."
Dai Yaoheng nodded and turned to leave, heading toward the inner mansion.
Compared to Huo Yuhao's earlier difficult journey, Dai Yaoheng's path was completely unobstructed. He arrived at the Council Hall, since visitors from his mother's side would likely meet here.
Before stepping in, he overheard voices from the slightly ajar hall door. He stopped immediately and remained outside.
At that moment, a calm male voice came:"Yuhan's bloodline and Hua Bin's boy have nearly eighty percent compatibility. Among girls of the appropriate age, this is the highest. Let these two children cultivate feelings; in the future, it will increase their fusion rate. Even surpassing the ancestor Dai Mubai's one-hundred-percent soul fusion isn't difficult."
"Third Uncle?" Dai Yaoheng raised an eyebrow, but hearing the rest of the words, his expression immediately grew icy.
Damn it, soul fusion again.
While Dai Yaoheng's expression darkened, a solemn female voice spoke:"I no longer expect one-hundred percent. A forced fusion into the Nether White Tiger is already excellent. Hua Bin's future depends on his own effort. This child is slightly more talented than his older brother, but temperament-wise is worse. His cultivation has become impatient; Zhu Lu's incident affected him greatly."
"This matter was our fault. I didn't expect that brat to disobey the family and insist on staying at Shrek Academy," the male voice said angrily.
"No need to argue further. Third Brother, why not stay for lunch before returning?" The Duchess shook her head, then looked at the middle-aged man across from her.
The man was Zhu Changming, who had previously represented the Lingmao Duke Mansion in negotiations with the White Tiger Duke Mansion.
"I won't eat; the message has been delivered. Tomorrow I'll send Yuhan over," Zhu Changming said, shaking his head. His voice then grew more serious:"I have a feeling the royal family may take action. Be careful, and avoid contact with those people for now."
"Don't worry, Third Brother. Recently, the royal spies patrol openly around the mansion; I understand without you saying," the Duchess said, equally serious.
"Very well."
Zhu Changming stood and took his leave, bidding farewell to the Duchess. Outside, Dai Yaoheng silently stepped aside, hiding by the hall.
Soon, Zhu Changming walked briskly out of the hall, heading toward the stables.
"What does 'avoid contact with those people' mean?" Dai Yaoheng watched his back, puzzled.
He hadn't greeted his Third Uncle because their relationship was average. Zhu Jia paid more attention to Dai Huabin due to the damned soul fusion.
However, the conversation between his mother and Third Uncle made him realize something: his second brother was likely being replaced, otherwise, why fuse with someone else?Huh… no wonder Zhu Lu's gaze toward Huo Yuhao seemed off.
Dai Yaoheng's return naturally drew attention from all within the White Tiger family. A lively banquet was held.
Thousands of servants were rewarded as well, sharing in the celebration.
Upon learning he returned to participate in the Dou Soul Tournament, the Dai family was overjoyed. Being chosen to represent Shrek Academy meant Dai Yaoheng became a temporary member of the Shrek Seven Devils, a tremendous honor even if temporary, recorded in the Academy's archives.
Winning the tournament would greatly enhance the White Tiger family's prestige. The White Tiger Soul was clearly a family heirloom of the White Tiger Duke Mansion.
Everyone in the Xingluo Empire knew this. Even the royal family valued the Dou Soul Tournament's honor.
As the elders drank, Dai Yaoheng asked a critical question:"Mother, I previously visited Father. He said someone prepared a soul bone as a reward for graduating from Shrek Academy. Can I see it now?"
"Swish."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression subtly changed, especially Dai Dianchen and Dai Dianguang, Dai Hao's second and third uncles.
The Duchess's expression shifted slightly, showing a hint of panic, but quickly stabilized. She said seriously:"Your father said you must graduate from Shrek Academy before receiving it. Seeing it now might distract you. The soul bone will be kept safe until your graduation day."
"Right, I got excited," Dai Yaoheng said awkwardly, then raised his cup to toast the elders one by one.
Seeing the Duchess calm the situation, everyone breathed a quiet sigh of relief and smiled while conversing with Dai Yaoheng.
However… nobody noticed Dai Yaoheng's eyes, though smiling, had grown ice-cold deep within. Having done many observation missions outside, his perception was sharp.
The elders and mother's subtle reactions had revealed something.
Why did they flinch?It must be the soul bone.
His second brother's ambush on Ming Feng Douluo's disciple likely required compensation, but hopefully it wasn't the type of soul bone he wanted.
The banquet ended late at night. The family dispersed, but Dai Yaoheng sought out his Fifth Uncle, Dai Dianfeng, for a private discussion.
In Dai Yaoheng's room, the two sat facing each other.
"So, the soul bone Father prepared for me was taken as compensation for Dai Huabin?" Dai Yaoheng sneered.
Fifth Uncle shook his head helplessly:"It couldn't be helped. The Shrek Academy expert demanded it urgently, and your soul bone was the only suitable one. But rest assured, your mother will provide a higher-quality, longer-aged soul bone later. Though she was biased this time, she will make amends. I didn't tell you before to avoid distracting you. But you remained composed."
"Having seen a lot, it's natural to remain calm," Dai Yaoheng smiled. "If it weren't for your secret support, I wouldn't have known until receiving the soul bone."
Currently, the strongest in the Dai family was Dai Qingnan, 93rd-level Title Douluo, Dai Hao's second grandfather. Rarely leaving his quarters, he didn't attend the banquet.
Below him were Dai Hao's five uncles. The second, fourth, and sixth uncles were neutral. The third, Dai Dianguang, openly supported Dai Huabin, while the fifth, Dai Dianfeng, secretly supported Dai Yaoheng.
Their descendants included mostly daughters, many married, and a few sons of average talent working in family enterprises.
Dai Hao, the eldest of the third generation, had sons with the most talent: Dai Huabin and Dai Yaoheng.
Huo Yuhao and Dai Luoli were insignificant, low-status, and non-family-born.
"By the way, what soul bone was replaced?" Dai Yaoheng asked.
Dai Dianfeng hesitated:"The right leg bone of the Golden Blade Tiger."
"Golden Blade Tiger… Father really found it for me." Dai Yaoheng lowered his head, voice deepening:"If Mother's future soul bone is weaker than the Golden Blade Tiger's, don't blame me for killing my own brother."
"Yaoheng!" Dai Dianfeng was startled. "What are you planning?"
"Fifth Uncle, forgot?" Dai Yaoheng raised his head, eyes full of killing intent."The White Tiger family's rule for a thousand years: competing for the throne may require taking a life. I'm merely following tradition. Why not?"
"But this rule was abolished by ancestor Dai Mubai," Dai Dianfeng said sternly.
"Rules are dead; people are alive. Don't try to stop me," Dai Yaoheng said decisively.
Dai Dianfeng frowned, unsure how to respond.
He supported Dai Yaoheng, but not killing his own brother.
What Dai Dianfeng didn't know: Dai Yaoheng desperately wanted the Golden Blade Tiger soul bone because his Martial Soul gained a tearing attribute during his breakthrough to Soul Emperor. Though not top-tier, the Golden Blade Tiger's soul bone had the exact property he needed.
Originally, he intended to hide this secret, but the type of soul bone he required had been used as compensation.
"If it's really late, Fifth Uncle, you should rest," Dai Yaoheng returned to a calm tone. "I was impatient just now. I'll reconsider this matter."
Dai Dianfeng patted him on the shoulder:"Don't worry. I'll personally ensure the replacement soul bone is at least equal to the Golden Blade Tiger's. What type do you want?"
"Tiger-type soul bone with tearing attribute. If none exists, the age must be no less than thirty thousand years."
"I'll remember," Dai Dianfeng nodded.
"Thank you," Dai Yaoheng said respectfully.
Dai Dianfeng shook his head and left.
After the door closed, Dai Yaoheng's gaze turned ferocious. Waves of soul power spread, shaking the room.
The next morning was bright and clear.
Outside the Duke Mansion's main gate, Dai Yaoheng led his horse, ready to depart. He had to return to his team soon.
Those seeing him off included the Duchess and several elder uncles.
They spoke briefly, mostly reminding Dai Yaoheng to display the White Tiger's might at the tournament.
At that moment, a carriage slowly approached along the outer passage. It flew the banner of Lingmao Duke Mansion.
"It's my Third Brother delivering Yuhan," the Duchess said.
Dai Yaoheng stopped, watching.
The carriage arrived, and Zhu Changming stepped out, bowing to Dai Hao's uncles. Seeing Dai Yaoheng surprised him.
"Yaoheng? When did you return?"
"Yesterday," Dai Yaoheng replied briefly.
Realizing Dai Yaoheng was cold toward him, Zhu Changming said no more and addressed the Duchess:"Ruiying, I've brought Yuhan. The rest is up to you, future mother-in-law."
"Yuhan, come out."
Zhu Changming called into the carriage.
Soon, a girl of fourteen or fifteen stepped out. She wore black martial attire, long hair flowing, her beauty almost rivaling Zhu Lu, only slightly less radiant. Her expression was cold, with a hint of melancholy. Her figure, though less developed than Zhu Lu, was still long and graceful.
Following Zhu Changming's guidance, Zhu Yuhan greeted the elders.
"Excellent," the Duchess said, satisfied, holding Yuhan's hand. "This will also be your home from now on."
"Mm," Yuhan nodded, her calm expression softening slightly.
In terms of status, she outranked Zhu Lu in the Zhu family.
Zhu Lu was a branch member; her parents were deceased. Yuhan was a direct descendant; her parents held important posts.
"Third Brother, will you come in?" the Duchess asked Zhu Changming.
"I'll pass, lest the royals think we're scheming," Zhu Changming shook his head. He instructed Yuhan and departed after bowing to Dai Hao's uncles.
There was no further interaction with Dai Yaoheng.
Yet, Dai Yaoheng's gaze at Zhu Yuhan trembled intensely.
He froze, astonished. As he looked at her, his bloodline seemed awakened, heating within him.
Suddenly, Zhu Yuhan, speaking with the Duchess, also trembled, instinctively releasing soul power.
The Duchess and the second generation of the White Tiger family's members were startled.
Because Zhu Yuhan's soul power seemed to drift toward Dai Yaoheng…
"This is…"
Everyone was dumbfounded.
This scene is just a side plot lead-in. The main storyline will resume soon, and the original sect many readers hoped for will gradually appear.
..............
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