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Chapter 256 - Chapter 256: Divine Martial Soul—Azure Dragon

Chapter 256: Divine Martial Soul—Azure Dragon

Dai Yao awoke, hazy and comfortable, lulled by a familiar, sweet scent. He instinctively reached out to pull the source of that warmth into his arms, only to grasp at empty air. He snapped awake, eyes adjusting to the dim room as he propped himself up and flung a hand toward the curtains, throwing them wide open. Golden sunlight spilled into the room, instantly brightening it.

Sitting alone on the bed, he sighed softly, an image of Dugu Yan's smiling face flashing in his mind. "Gone already, without even a goodbye? That's just like her," he muttered, both wistful and impressed by her decisiveness.

Though he once felt guarded around Dugu Yan, her quiet dedication over the past six years had chipped away at his defenses. The once-fierce "Venomous Snake" had become someone who genuinely cared for him, a contrast that comforted him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

"Yan Yan," he whispered, clenching his fist, staring at the rising sun outside the window, "just wait for me. I'll make sure our future is secure."

After a quick wash, Dai Yao felt reinvigorated and ready for the day. He was, however, a bit anxious—how would he face Zhu Zhuqing?

As he opened the door, his heart skipped at the sight before him. There, right outside, stood Zhu Zhuqing, arms folded, her head bowed with an unmistakable look of hurt in her eyes. Feng Wutong stood quietly beside her, similarly subdued.

Hearing the door, both women's heads snapped up. In a heartbeat, Zhu Zhuqing rushed forward, embracing him tightly, as though afraid he might disappear. Dai Yao, stunned and filled with guilt, slowly wrapped his arms around her, feeling her tremble subside as she finally relaxed in his hold.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered.

Zhu Zhuqing drew back slightly, looking up at him, eyes full of complex emotions—undying love mixed with a trace of regret. "Brother Yao, I... I regret it. I regret agreeing to Yan Yan's request."

Dai Yao's heart clenched. The night before, Dugu Yan had asked Zhu Zhuqing to give them a moment alone, in a bold appeal that Zhu Zhuqing, despite her own hesitations, had agreed to honor.

As a member of the Star Luo royal family, Zhu Zhuqing was no stranger to the idea of sharing a partner. Yet, though she had prepared herself mentally for the realities of a noble's life, her heart ached now that she had witnessed it firsthand. A part of her felt that, as the one who had been with him first, she should have had this moment with him.

Dai Yao opened his mouth, hoping to find words that would ease her hurt, but, ultimately, he could only pull her close and sigh.

Seeing them together, Feng Wutong's eyes softened with a hint of envy. Though her role as Dai Yao's servant had given her a unique place in his life, she knew that Zhu Zhuqing held the position of "mistress"—a distinction she both respected and envied.

After a few moments, Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath and loosened her grip, though she kept one hand interlocked with Dai Yao's, glancing at Feng Wutong with an inscrutable expression.

Dai Yao, too, had a moment of surprise as he finally took in Feng Wutong's appearance. Her fiery red ponytail, tied with the phoenix-adorned ribbon he had gifted her, cascaded down her back, while a carved peachwood phoenix hairpin nestled securely in her thick hair, giving her an air of elegance and grace.

"Good morning, young master," Feng Wutong greeted, bowing apologetically. "I regret that I couldn't be here to assist you this morning due to the early departure of Lady Yan."

Her words made Dai Yao realize what had felt off that morning—Feng Wutong's absence. Despite her extraordinary beauty and status, she fulfilled her role as a servant so diligently that Dai Yao had grown accustomed to the routine comfort she provided.

"No worries," he said, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "Now I know why this morning felt so different."

Feng Wutong smiled and continued, "Lady Yan left early this morning. Our teammates from the Academy will also be departing soon. Do you wish to see them off?"

Dai Yao nodded. "When are they leaving?"

"Headmaster Jackson and Captain Feng Qianli are headed straight for the Heaven Dou Empire due to the long journey. They'll depart at the hour of Si. Dai Yuanyi and Luo Ling are traveling to the Silves Kingdom and plan to leave at the hour of Wei."

"Understood. We still have time to see them off, then," Dai Yao replied, nodding.

On their way, Feng Wutong kept pace beside him, reminding him gently, "Tomorrow is the day of your induction ceremony into Spirit Hall, young master. There are certain protocols and formalities to remember. I'll go over them with you later."

"Thank you. I appreciate it," he said.

"One more thing," Feng Wutong added with a smile, "Miss Hu Liena mentioned that after your induction, you may choose an estate within Spirit City. They're preparing servants for your household, and you're welcome to specify any preferences you may have regarding the estate's location, size, and staff."

Dai Yao blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected such lavish treatment simply for joining Spirit Hall. For the first time, it struck him that he was no longer an ordinary soul master but a powerful force, someone with influence and standing.

Yet, despite the luxury, he found himself thinking of something simpler. "You know what, Feng Wutong? Why don't you choose for me? I trust your judgment."

Feng Wutong smiled, a hint of pride lighting her face as she noted his wishes. Dai Yao chuckled, realizing that her thoughtful attentions meant he would never have to worry about mundane details.

"With you as my servant, Feng Wutong, I can focus on my cultivation without a care," he said warmly.

"It's my duty," Feng Wutong answered with a soft smile, a unique glint flashing in her eyes as she gazed at Dai Yao.

"Still, don't put all your focus on serving me. You're a soul master too, and your cultivation must always come first. Don't let my affairs get in the way of your progress," Dai Yao instructed her earnestly.

"I understand," Feng Wutong replied with a serious nod.

In a carriage bound for the Heaven Dou Empire, a wizened old man sighed heavily as he looked at the charming young woman beside him, dressed in verdant green.

"What are you so upset about, Grandpa?" she asked, leaning against him playfully.

"Hmph! That act won't work on me," replied the elderly man, Dugu Bo, with a disgruntled huff, though he didn't push her away.

Dugu Yan's bold behavior from the day before had him beside himself with frustration. Yesterday, she had told him to give her some space, and he had reluctantly complied, never imagining the events that would unfold! Now, he couldn't help but regret his decision.

Noticing that he hadn't shrugged off her hand, Dugu Yan giggled and held up the Spirit Bone she'd received in the competition, presenting it as if it were a prize.

"Grandpa, look! Dai Yao even gave me his Spirit Bone. I'm his woman through and through, so why shouldn't I give myself to him?"

Dugu Bo, frustrated yet concerned, replied, "Yan Yan, Dai Yao may be an exceptional young man, but you're still a young woman. You should maintain some dignity! If a man gets what he wants too easily, he won't cherish it."

The carriage fell into silence, the only sound the steady rhythm of the wheels against the road. After a while, Dugu Yan spoke softly.

"Grandpa… if I hadn't done it, would there even be a place for me beside Dai Yao in a few years?"

Dugu Bo frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Dai Yao's talent is unmatched in the history of the continent. Even compared to twin martial souls, he's in a league of his own. Once he joins Spirit Hall, he'll be treated with the highest regard," Dugu Yan explained, her voice steady yet somber.

"Spirit Rings and Spirit Bones will be easily accessible to him, and he'll have everything he needs to live comfortably. Women in Spirit Hall will be drawn to him like moths to a flame," she continued. "I trust him, but I can't deny that there's always a chance—however small—that someone might come between us. If that happens, where would that leave me?"

Dugu Yan took a deep breath before continuing. "That's why I made my decision yesterday. Dai Yao is someone who values those who care for him. I know he won't abandon me as long as I remain devoted to him."

Dugu Bo was silent, suddenly understanding that Dugu Yan's decision was driven by his own inability to join Spirit Hall. After a pause, he sighed, guilt in his voice.

"I'm sorry, Yan Yan. This is all my fault."

Dugu Yan's smile was gentle. "Grandpa, you're my only family in this world. I'd never abandon you." Her voice turned serious as she added, "Besides, I have a strong feeling that Dai Yao won't stay in Spirit Hall forever."

Dugu Bo's eyes widened. "What makes you say that?"

"It's just a hunch," she replied. "I didn't join Spirit Hall, and I'll make sure to strengthen our family. No matter what happens in the future, I'll be Dai Yao's safety net. If he succeeds, I'll be thrilled; if he fails, I'll be here to catch him."

Dugu Bo let out a long sigh, moved by her loyalty. "Yan Yan, my dear, it's a hard road you've chosen. Our clan is seen as ruthless and cold, yet our women love with a devotion that's as fierce as it is everlasting."

Dugu Yan's lips curved into a soft smile at the thought of Dai Yao. "Grandpa, when we return to Heaven Dou City, I'll need your help as my protector."

"Oh? What do you have in mind?" Dugu Bo asked, his curiosity piqued.

Dugu Yan only smiled mysteriously. "You'll see soon enough. I want it to be a surprise."

One month later.

In the Sunset Forest, near the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

Dugu Bo stared, dumbfounded, at the woman before him, a vision of stunning beauty. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and asked in disbelief, "Yan Yan? Is that… you?"

His surprise was understandable. The woman before him was breathtakingly beautiful. She possessed a slender waist, violet hair cascading down to her waist, and long, shapely legs. Her figure was so exquisite that her clothes seemed ready to burst at the seams. Although her face retained traces of Dugu Yan's original features, there was an ethereal quality to her now, a transcendent beauty that left him speechless.

Amused by his reaction, Dugu Yan flashed him a playful smile. "Grandpa, of course, it's me!"

Dugu Bo took a shaky breath, staring at her, awe-struck. Could the Qinglian flower Dai Yao had given her really be this miraculous?

Recalling her earlier claim that it could also transform her spirit, Dugu Bo couldn't contain his excitement. "Yan Yan, check your martial spirit. Has it changed?"

Dugu Yan's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she nodded. "Get ready to be amazed, Grandpa!"

With a flourish of her hand, spirit energy surged around her, her violet hair billowing as a dragon's roar shook the sky. A green figure materialized behind her, long and serpentine, with the fierce majesty of a qilin, a head adorned with deer-like antlers, five clawed limbs, and a powerful tail. It exhaled heat, its eyes radiating a primal power as they gazed down upon Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo felt his soul tremble under that gaze. It wasn't a matter of spirit power—the difference in their martial spirits was vast.

"What… What is this martial spirit? A dragon? Why does my Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor tremble in fear before it?" he stammered, overwhelmed.

Dugu Yan regarded her spirit with awe, her voice soft with reverence. "After consuming the Qinglian, my Jade Phosphor Serpent spirit underwent a complete transformation. My martial spirit is now the Azure Dragon."

Dugu Bo's cloudy eyes shone with envy, watching the majestic Azure Dragon before him. His throat tightened, and though he wished for his own spirit to evolve, he knew that such treasures as the Qinglian flower were exceedingly rare. He was fortunate that Dai Yao had gifted his granddaughter one at all.

Dugu Yan's spirit, he knew, was now on par with the most powerful martial spirits in existence. She was destined for greatness.

Dugu Yan turned to him, her gaze serious. "Grandfather, when others ask about my spirit transformation, tell them it was a result of rare natural treasures I consumed. Don't let anyone know about Dai Yao."

Dugu Bo nodded solemnly. "Of course. I'll shield you from any prying eyes. I understand the importance of what he entrusted to us."

Satisfied, Dugu Yan relaxed. She walked to the edge of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and stared at her reflection in the water. Smiling mischievously, she brushed a hand over her cheek, a trace of warmth in her eyes.

"I wonder… will he even recognize me when we meet again?" she murmured to herself, a soft smile playing on her lips.

 

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