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Chapter 255 - Chapter 255: Dugu Yan’s Decision

Chapter 255: Dugu Yan's Decision

The next day.

The thrill of victory from the previous day's celebration hadn't diminished, and the team decided to explore Spirit City. This ancient city, revered by soul masters throughout the continent, was an opportunity they couldn't let slip by.

Spirit City was laid out in a hexagonal shape, with six main roads stretching from the towering city walls inward to converge at the center. These six routes divided Spirit City into six distinct areas, mostly filled with Spirit Hall facilities and residences for high-ranking officials. Only one of these areas was accessible to visitors.

The Auckland team arrived in the bustling commercial district and couldn't help but gape at the sight before them. Although Dai Yao had lived in a modern world in his past life, even he was surprised by the bustling grandeur.

The area was not only for visitors but also a shared space for the commoners and low-ranking soul masters who lived here. It was through the work of these ten thousand residents that Spirit Hall's upper echelons enjoyed their privileged lives. These civilians served as the city's working backbone, managing the city's daily tasks so that soul masters could focus solely on cultivation.

"This place might rival Heaven Dou City's splendor!" Dai Yuanyi exclaimed, his eyes wide as he took in the vast residential area stretching to the city walls.

"Though Spirit City is much smaller than Heaven Dou City, it's no less prosperous. And in terms of soul masters, it far surpasses both Heaven Dou and Star Luo Cities," a soft voice chimed in.

Just hearing the voice made Auckland's male members blush slightly, and they quickly averted their gazes. The female members, however, looked at the speaker with a hint of irritation. But the young woman simply smiled, unconcerned.

"Thank you, Hu Liena, for explaining," Dai Yao said as he looked over the city. Is this to be my future home? he thought, glancing at the source of the enchanting voice—Hu Liena.

With her flowing chestnut hair and an elegant brown and white outfit, Hu Liena's appearance was striking. Her figure was graceful yet fiery, enhanced by a cloak draped over her shoulders. Her fox-like features and eyes that sparkled with allure made it hard for onlookers to resist her charm. Though she differed from Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, her beauty held a unique appeal.

Passersby often stole glances at her, captivated, though their admiration quickly turned to fear upon noticing the purple emblem pinned to her chest, and they hurried away.

Hu Liena simply smiled and said, "It's no trouble."

"Honestly, after defeating you all yesterday, it's awkward having you guide us around today," Dai Yao admitted with a sheepish laugh.

Hu Liena froze, giving him a long, searching look. Then, she smiled and strode to the front, covering her inner conflict as she turned back to him, saying, "Winning and losing are part of life. If anything, we should thank you for helping us realize our flaws. I even requested to lead you on this tour."

With his guard down, Dai Yao joined the team as Hu Liena led them through the highlights of Spirit City, introducing each landmark with knowledge and charm. Little by little, they all began to warm up to the girl from the Golden Generation, and even Dai Yao found himself appreciating her unique demeanor, though her obsessive behavior in the original story still dampened his impression of her.

At last, Hu Liena stopped, glancing playfully at the group as she announced, "Alright, this is the end of the tour. Feel free to browse the market area and pick up a souvenir. I'll cover it."

Delighted, the group ventured into the prestigious market area, where only nobles and soul masters could usually shop. But as they emerged a short time later, their faces showed hints of unease.

The market was filled with elegantly decorated shops staffed by pleasant yet robotic women who displayed an array of rare items: precious soul guides, caged soul beasts, and even thousand-year-old soul bones, a testament to Spirit Hall's wealth. However, what truly disturbed the team was the sight of women with mutated soul spirits, displayed behind glass cases as if they were rare commodities—fox girls, cat girls, and more. They appeared lifeless, their faces filled with resignation or despair, treated by nobles and soul masters alike as little more than objects.

The sight made the Auckland team uncomfortable, especially Feng Wutong. Her face turned pale, and she involuntarily drew closer to Dai Yao for comfort, her expression filled with distress as she remembered her own struggles with the side effects of her spirit mutation. She couldn't help but tremble, recalling the dark days when despair had nearly consumed her.

Looking at the man who had saved her life, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and resolve. She clenched her fists, her gaze on Dai Yao intensifying with determination. Without him, she thought, who knows where I'd be now?

Most of the Auckland team, being from humble backgrounds, felt deeply disturbed. Only Dugu Yan and Dai Yuanyi seemed unfazed. Although Dai Yao was once a prince, his life had been far removed from luxury, and even more challenging than that of many common soul masters. Before long, they left the unsettling place behind.

"Ah, finally out of there," Luo Feng exhaled deeply, relief evident on his face. Even the usually composed Feng Qianli seemed affected by the experience, his expression shaken.

Hu Liena watched Dai Yao's changing expression closely, a knowing smile curving her lips. This tour had allowed her to understand Dai Yao a little better, and she felt a bit more confident in how to handle him in the future.

"It seems everyone wasn't too comfortable in the noble district," she remarked with a charming smile, "Why not explore the common market instead?"

Though she addressed the entire group, her attention was focused on Dai Yao alone, observing his every move.

The bustling atmosphere in the commoners' market was lively and vibrant. Though it lacked the refinement of the noble district, it was full of energy, with locals haggling, shouting, and laughing all around. The Auckland team relaxed, mingling with the crowd, and eventually stopped by a stall selling intricate wooden hair accessories.

While the team looked over the items, Dugu Yan pulled Zhu Zhuqing aside, speaking with an urgency that made Zhu Zhuqing look up in surprise, her expression freezing as she processed what she was being told.

Meanwhile, Dai Yao picked up a phoenix-shaped hairpin and matching red ribbon and handed them to Feng Wutong.

She looked at him, touched by his thoughtfulness. She had only glanced briefly at the hairpin, but he had noticed. "Thank you," she murmured softly.

"I figured with two Titled Douluos as teachers now, there's not much else I can give you, aside from little things like this," he replied.

"No, it's your thoughtfulness that matters most to me," she said, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that made Dai Yao blink in surprise before he turned away, changing the topic.

As the sun began to set, the team returned to the inn. Exhausted, Dai Yao lay on his soft bed, staring at the ceiling. Oddly enough, Zhu Zhuqing, usually by his side, was nowhere to be found. But since they were in Spirit City, he wasn't too worried.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Come in," he called, sitting up.

The door opened to reveal Dugu Yan. Her emerald-green eyes regarded him as she shut the door and approached, sitting down beside him with a glint of determination in her gaze. "What's this? You're not happy to see me?"

"Of course I am," he replied with a grin, wrapping an arm around her waist in a familiar way.

"Stop, that tickles!" Dugu Yan scolded, swatting his hand away playfully. Over the years, they'd developed a mutual understanding, sharing many close moments as he helped her manage the poison in her body. Though nothing further had happened, they were well accustomed to each other's presence.

As he looked at her, knowing they would soon part ways, a gentle warmth softened his gaze. "Yan Yan," he murmured, taking her hand, "I don't want us to be separated."

Being Dugu Bo's granddaughter, Dugu Yan couldn't join Spirit Hall without complicating her life due to her grandfather's strained relationship with the institution. With a sigh, she gently freed herself from his grasp and walked over to close the curtains. Then, with an air of quiet resolve, she slipped off her outer garment.

Dai Yao's breath caught as he asked, "Yan Yan, what are you…?"

Smiling slyly, she leaned in close, her lips near his ear. "I'll be leaving for Heaven Dou soon, and who knows when we'll see each other again. So, let me help you…one last time."

Like a snake, she curled up close, whispering, "Tonight, I'm yours."

In that instant, his heartbeat quickened as he embraced her…

As the moon faded and the stars disappeared, peace finally returned to the room.

With her head resting on Dai Yao's chest, Dugu Yan looked up at him with tenderness. Her hair, damp with sweat, framed her face as she gazed at him lovingly.

"Dai Yao," she whispered, "I've given you everything. Don't you dare forget me."

Dai Yao nodded gently, running his hand through Dugu Yan's silky hair. Even after everything was over, she still moved like a snake, her every motion graceful yet mesmerizing—a perfect embodiment of her title, the Serpent Beauty.

"Yan Yan, your actions today were truly…"

Dai Yao couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled what had just happened.

"Surprising, weren't they?"

Dugu Yan tilted her head upward, her gaze locking onto Dai Yao's as if caught in a memory.

"Do you know, Dai Yao? That stone rain during the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well… It was too overwhelming, so much so that it has lingered in my heart for six whole years. I could never forget the image of you shielding me from that falling boulder."

Hearing this, Dai Yao let out a laugh. It turned out that a simple misunderstanding from the past had made this girl fall in love with him.

Dugu Yan continued, her tone filled with sincerity:

"In this world, you are my destined husband. Only you can cure the poison in my body."

Dai Yao fell silent for a moment. Glancing at Dugu Yan, he asked, "If I couldn't cure your poison, would I still be your husband?"

Her words reminded him of the original story, where Tang San also had the ability to detoxify poisons. Her declaration left a complicated feeling in his heart.

Dugu Yan straightened herself in an instant, her sharp gaze locking onto Dai Yao as she scolded him indignantly:

"Why can't you have the same confidence you show in battle? Do I seem like someone who believes in fate?"

With a sigh, her tone softened. Her eyes, now filled with tenderness, lingered on Dai Yao.

"Honestly, since I grew up, I've never met someone as strange as you."

"How am I strange?"

"My Dugu family is known for being cold and ruthless. Everyone who meets us instinctively feels fear. Even those who pretend to remain calm can't hide the unease in their eyes."

"But you… You're different. Your eyes have never shown fear. You treat me like any other person. Even when I gave you something, you accepted it without hesitation, never worrying if it might be poisoned."

As she reminisced, a faint smile appeared on Dugu Yan's face.

"My parents passed away when I was very young. It was my grandfather who raised me. As a Title Douluo, my grandfather was a powerful figure. No one dared to bully me, and he tried everything to fill the void left by my parents' absence. But in the end, he wasn't my father or my mother."

"Under my grandfather's care, I lived a carefree life. But every time I saw children my age interacting with their parents, I couldn't help feeling something was missing."

"The more I lacked those things, the more arrogant I became. I used my outward strength to fill the emptiness inside me."

"Then I met you. You shattered the facade I'd built around myself and made me realize that deep down, I was just a child who longed for parental love. That day, when you shielded me from the boulder in the stone rain of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, my heart raced for the first time. I realized there was someone who would risk everything to save me."

"And today, you even gave me that precious soul bone. It made me see even more clearly that you're the man I want to entrust my life to."

"But I must return to the Heaven Dou Empire. I don't want time to create distance between us. So, I gave myself to you, ensuring you'll never forget me."

Looking at Dugu Yan's infatuated gaze, Dai Yao was deeply moved. He pulled her into a tight embrace, not out of desire but from a pure, heartfelt need to cherish her.

"Don't dwell on those painful memories. From now on, I'll give you a future filled with happiness."

"I believe you."

Dugu Yan clung tightly to Dai Yao, her voice filled with contentment. At this moment, she wasn't the enchanting manipulator she appeared to others—she was simply Dai Yao's woman.

After a while, Dai Yao released her from his embrace. Under Dugu Yan's curious gaze, he took out a Blue Lotus, its petals gently unfurling as if alive. Staring at the lotus like it was a priceless treasure, he handed it to Dugu Yan.

"Yan Yan, this is my parting gift to you."

As Dugu Yan held the Blue Lotus, she felt an intense yearning from her Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul. Her breathing quickened, but she resisted the urge, asking, "Dai Yao, what is this treasure? Is it a celestial herb?"

Dai Yao shook his head.

"No, this Blue Lotus contains the power to rival the heavens. It can evolve your martial soul, just as it did with Wutong."

"Wutong?"

Dugu Yan frowned. "Are you saying Wutong's transformation into the Vermilion Bird martial soul came from consuming a similar lotus?"

"Exactly. But Wutong's was a Red Lotus, not a Blue one," Dai Yao explained.

Dugu Yan stared at the Blue Lotus in disbelief. Its power to evolve martial souls was astounding, yet the proof was undeniable.

"No wonder Wutong obeys your every word. So that's why such a peerless beauty would willingly become your maid."

Her tone carried newfound understanding, though it was soon followed by suspicion. Realizing Dai Yao had held onto this lotus until now, she asked with a slight tremble in her voice:

"Dai Yao, do you still not trust me?"

"What? Why would you think that?" Dai Yao asked, startled.

"Then why didn't you give this to me earlier? Why wait until now?"

Hearing this, Dai Yao sighed in relief and explained:

"It's not about trust. The Blue Lotus is incredibly potent. Wutong's original martial soul was a relatively ordinary Flaming Bird, but now, it's the god-tier Vermilion Bird martial soul."

"The same goes for Zhuqing. These lotuses don't just evolve martial souls; they bring complete transformations. Have you noticed how beautiful Wutong and Zhuqing are? That's partly due to the lotuses' effects."

"If I'd given it to you earlier, the changes would have been too conspicuous. With so many eyes watching during the tournament, it could've drawn unwanted attention. Now that the competition is over, there are fewer prying eyes, and with your grandfather's protection, your transformation can be easily explained."

Understanding his reasoning, Dugu Yan snorted lightly. "Fine, you've passed this time."

Dai Yao immediately pulled her into a playful hug. "I can't wait to see how stunning you'll look after consuming the Blue Lotus."

Dugu Yan turned her head away, pretending to pout. "I won't let you see!"

Watching her feigned annoyance, Dai Yao chuckled and grew serious.

"Yan Yan, once you return, I need you to keep a close eye on the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."

Sensing the gravity in his tone, Dugu Yan's anger dissipated. "Why?"

"I'm worried someone might try to steal it," Dai Yao replied, his expression grim.

"Do you mean Tang San?" Dugu Yan asked, her brows furrowing.

"Yes. Keep him out of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. But if it becomes too dangerous, abandon it."

Dugu Yan's eyes gleamed with resolve. "Don't worry. I won't let that thief Tang San set foot in our Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"

Her gaze turned mischievous, and she teased, "Dai Yao, you should take Wutong as your woman. She knows too many secrets. Only by doing so can you ensure her loyalty."

Dai Yao choked on her words, lightly tapping her forehead as she let out a surprised yelp.

"Stop meddling! Back to work!"

(Chapter End)

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