Chapter 246: No Place for Me
Finally noticing that Tang Hao had fled, Dai Yao let out a long breath of relief, collapsing to the ground and gasping for air. The exhilaration of narrowly escaping death left him feeling entirely drained yet profoundly alive.
"Damn, I made it!"
As he lay on the ground reflecting on his survival, Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing immediately rushed to his side, each embracing him from a different angle. Feeling their warmth, Dai Yao's scattered thoughts quickly returned to the present.
Dugu Yan, with a gentle expression, helped him to his feet, carefully brushing the dust from his face, her emerald eyes glistening with affection. His selfless act to protect her had melted her heart completely, leaving her brimming with admiration for him. Had they not been in such a public space, she might not have resisted a more intimate display of her feelings.
"Brother Yao…" Zhu Zhuqing murmured softly, her slender brows furrowed with worry. She clung to his shoulder tightly, as if terrified he might disappear. When Dai Yao had pushed her out of harm's way, her heart had nearly stopped. She couldn't imagine a world without him; if he had died, her world would have lost all color once again.
Their open displays of affection left the rest of the Oakland team exchanging surprised glances, grinning and giving each other knowing looks. The admiration in their gazes was evident. Zhu Zhuqing's allure—her flawless beauty, stunning figure, and cool temperament—outshone that of most women, while Dugu Yan, though slightly less striking, exuded a uniquely enchanting charm with her graceful movements and soft, snake-like figure. Both of these remarkable women had devoted their hearts to the same man, regarding everyone else with indifference. Dai Yao had clearly become their role model!
Even Yan from Spirit Hall was astonished at Dai Yao's charm. Who knew he'd be as formidable in romance as he was in spirit mastery? Yan's grudging hostility waned, giving way to an intention to seek Dai Yao's advice after the tournament, hoping it might help him win over Nana.
Ahem.
Catching sight of Dugu Yan on one side and Zhu Zhuqing on the other, Dugu Bo gave a disapproving cough.
"Hugging and clinging like that in front of everyone—where's your dignity? Let him go already!"
Seeing his granddaughter, along with another young woman, vying for a single man's affection left him feeling unsettled as a protective elder.
"Grandfather!"
Dugu Yan blushed, reluctantly releasing Dai Yao but still keeping her fingers tightly entwined with his, refusing to let go. Noticing this small gesture, Dugu Bo sighed, recalling Dai Yao's sacrifice in pushing her to safety.
Locking his sharp gaze on Dai Yao, he warned sternly, "Young man, I'm entrusting Yan Yan to you. Mistreat her, and you'll answer to me!"
Dai Yao met Dugu Bo's gaze and nodded resolutely. "I will never fail her."
Just as Dugu Bo was processing Dai Yao's commitment with another sigh, the steady click of heels approached, and the surrounding clamor seemed to disappear, leaving an almost unnatural silence. Bibi Dong, poised and graceful, approached, her expression unreadable as she glanced at Dai Yao and the two women beside him. Though she only briefly showed disdain for his divided affections, her gaze remained cool.
While the male Titled Douluo accompanying her looked on with amusement, Lingyuan Douluo, meanwhile, focused only on Feng Wutong, silently approving her restraint and composure.
The distaste quickly vanished from Bibi Dong's eyes, replaced by a hint of regret. With a trace of remorse in her voice, she said, "The Oakland team, we at Spirit Hall regret having endangered you due to our failure to hold off Tang Hao. To make amends, I promise that Spirit Hall will provide you with your fifth spirit rings."
A murmur of excitement arose from the surrounding spirit masters. A fifth spirit ring, especially a ten-thousand-year ring, was a coveted treasure. With Spirit Hall's support, Oakland team members could gain the ideal spirit ring without any risk—a rare opportunity that most spirit masters could only dream of.
The Oakland team, previously harboring a bit of resentment over their near-death experience, was now all smiles. Their complaints vanished as they gratefully responded in unison, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Bibi Dong nodded slightly, her gaze lingering briefly on Dai Yao. Then, turning with poise and resting her hand on her purple-gold scepter, she smiled toward Ning Fengzhi, who stood not far away.
"Many thanks, Sect Master Ning, and Sword Douluo Chen Xin for coming to the aid of the Oakland team. Without your intervention, this tournament might not have continued."
As Bibi Dong moved closer to Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, who had been hovering above, swiftly landed beside Ning Fengzhi, his vigilant gaze surveying the seven Titled Douluo surrounding Bibi Dong.
"Seven Titled Douluo," Chen Xin thought, a trace of astonishment flashing in his eyes. "And that's not counting the legendary worshippers. Just how powerful is Spirit Hall?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled elegantly. "Your Majesty needn't worry. Tang Hao's actions against a junior were uncalled for. And, having known Dai Yao for some time, I couldn't stand idly by and watch him be slain."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed briefly, aware that Ning Fengzhi's intervention might leave Dai Yao with lingering goodwill toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. As an invaluable asset to Spirit Hall's future, Dai Yao could not be allowed to waver in loyalty. Nonetheless, she smiled, replying, "Sect Master Ning, after the tournament, I'd like to invite you to stay in Spirit City for a while. Would that be possible?"
The invitation served as a strategic attempt to draw the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan into closer ties with Spirit Hall, if not as allies, then at least as neutral associates. Fully aware of her intent, Ning Fengzhi's expression remained polite but firm.
"I appreciate Your Majesty's kind offer," he replied, leaning on his jade staff. "However, clan affairs have piled up in my absence for this tournament, and I must return to attend to them without delay."
Bibi Dong's eyes flashed momentarily, though her voice remained indifferent as she sighed, "A pity, Sect Master Ning."
Yet inwardly, she resolved, "So the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has chosen the path of its own downfall."
Her gaze briefly flickered over Dai Yao before returning to Ning Fengzhi with a polite smile.
"Sect Master Ning, as a Spirit Hall Elder, it would be my honor if you would join us for a banquet this evening."
At her words and the intimidating sight of the six Titled Douluo standing behind her, Ning Fengzhi's mouth twitched subtly. Having already declined one invitation, to refuse a second would be too direct an affront.
With no other option, he shook his head and replied, "With such a gracious invitation from Your Majesty, refusing again would indeed be unseemly."
Seeing Ning Fengzhi's reluctant acceptance, Bibi Dong's smile widened. "Let's not delay, then. Sect Master Ning, please join us. Today's matches have concluded, and with sunset approaching, the timing is perfect."
Realizing Bibi Dong's urgency to separate him from Dai Yao, Ning Fengzhi understood her intentions clearly. Helplessly, he sighed, feeling the pressure of being under the scrutiny of seven Titled Douluo, leaving him no choice but to agree.
"Very well, let's go," he said, then glanced at Dugu Bo. "Would you care to join us, Lord of the Emerald Phosphor?"
Dugu Bo's eyes met Ning Fengzhi's, and after a brief pause, he nodded. "Alright."
A faint smile of satisfaction crossed Bibi Dong's lips as she called to her subordinate. "Lingyuan, we'll go ahead. Remain here and see to the rest of the Shrek Academy students."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lingyuan Douluo responded respectfully.
With a light sweep of her long purple gown, Bibi Dong turned and began walking back toward the palace, her Titled Douluo escort following, along with Ning Fengzhi and Dugu Bo, as the watching crowd respectfully lowered their gaze.
Dai Yao narrowed his eyes, watching Bibi Dong's retreating figure, his heart growing heavy. If the original storyline held true, Bibi Dong would ultimately become a god, reaching a power that Tang Hao at his current level could not match. Right now, Tang Hao was likely at level 94, still recovering from the death of Ah Yin. Yet despite this, Bibi Dong had allowed Tang Hao to knock her down with a single blow.
Was the gap between them really that vast? Or could it be that Bibi Dong was purposely hiding her true strength?
Despite the extreme danger he faced, Bibi Dong never stepped in. Dai Yao recognized that he was not her direct disciple, and she likely had no deep emotional investment in him. It seemed unlikely that she would risk revealing her full strength just for his sake. This realization left him with a subtle feeling of discontent toward Spirit Hall.
"Dai Yao…"
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. Turning, he saw Dugu Yan's jade-colored eyes filled with worry.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Dugu Yan glanced briefly at Zhu Zhuqing, who gave her a nod of encouragement before she spoke.
"Dai Yao, shouldn't we thank Sect Master Ning for saving us? Her Majesty forced him to leave so that he wouldn't have the chance to connect with you. If it's inconvenient for you, I can go on your behalf."
Her words pulled Dai Yao back from his scattered thoughts. He looked at Dugu Yan's concerned face, feeling the warmth of her hand in his. With a smile, he teased, "What, are you not worried I'll run off with Ning Rongrong?"
Dugu Yan jabbed her finger into his forehead, feigning annoyance. "Who made me choose you? It's too late to back out now." Though she said this, her grip on his hand only tightened.
Dai Yao chuckled. "Well, now it's too late to regret it! Even if you wanted to, I wouldn't let you."
Zhu Zhuqing interjected, "Brother Yao, will you personally go to thank Sect Master Ning?"
Dai Yao's face grew serious. "Yes. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan risked offending Tang Hao to save me. I'm not someone who forgets his debts. Sending you to thank him would be no different from ending my relationship with him."
Dugu Yan frowned. "But won't this offend Spirit Hall? Since you're joining them, wouldn't getting too close to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan cause unnecessary trouble?"
Dai Yao sighed slightly. "There are things worth doing and others that aren't. Sect Master Ning saved me, and if I don't thank him myself, I wouldn't feel right. As for Spirit Hall's response, we'll handle it as it comes."
"I'll visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's residence at dusk. By then, Sect Master Ning and his group should have returned."
While Dai Yao's second martial soul skill, Chaos Lotus, could shield him from most attacks, including Tang Hao's, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wasn't aware of this. They saved him knowing full well he planned to join Spirit Hall after the tournament. Repaying this life-saving debt with a personal visit felt only right; sending Zhu Zhuqing or Dugu Yan would be cowardly in his own eyes.
"Alright," said Dugu Bo. "Today has been quite the day—first Dai Yao's solo victory over fourteen opponents, then his withdrawal, the Shrek team's seven-in-one fusion, and, finally, the life-or-death crisis from the Haotian Douluo."
"I'm sure everyone's exhausted, physically and mentally. Tomorrow's the final match against the Spirit Hall team. Let's rest and prepare well. It will be a tough battle."
The crowd's tension eased once the elite left, and Feng Qianli turned to the team with a grave expression, reminding them of the fight ahead.
Dai Yao looked to him and said, "One night's rest will be enough."
Feng Qianli clapped his hand on Dai Yao's shoulder, his eyes filled with trust and hope. "Tomorrow, we're counting on you."
Dai Yao nodded firmly. This was the culmination of years of effort, and his heart beat faster with excitement.
Feng Wutong, standing quietly by, watched as Dai Yao held Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing's hands. There was a strange look in her eyes, and a cool breeze passed by, bringing with it a slender figure.
Seeing the newcomer, Feng Wutong greeted her respectfully. "Teacher."
The woman was none other than Lingyuan Douluo, tasked by Bibi Dong with dealing with the remaining Shrek members.
Lingyuan Douluo waved her hand dismissively. "I've told you, you don't have to call me so formally all the time. It makes me feel old."
She glanced at Dai Yao and his two companions, then turned her gaze to her student Feng Wutong, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. "Wutong, you've done me proud. Unlike those two, who are being overly affectionate in public."
To her surprise, Feng Wutong sighed softly, her voice carrying an undertone of sadness.
"Teacher, I'd like to hold him, too. But it seems there's no place for me by his side."
Lingyuan Douluo, her face softened with pride just moments before, was left speechless.
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