The Emperor's Will, ReunionTian Dou City, Tian Dou Imperial Palace.
"Senior Di Tian, may I ask why you saved me?"
Tang San, supporting himself, looked at Di Tian, who was examining the palace with slight curiosity, suppressed his doubts, and respectfully said.
The battle above Shrek Academy spread like wildfire throughout Heaven Dou City, rapidly expanding towards the outskirts of the capital. The death of the Seventh Elder and the regent's near-assassination attempt dealt an unimaginable blow to the already precarious empire.
Tang San's rule over the Heaven Dou Empire was visibly weakening.
But he had no time to worry about these things at the moment. He simply gave the master a few instructions and then rushed back to the palace to meet Emperor Tian.
He knew very well that Di Tian was an unparalleled expert, and as long as he gained Di Tian's support, he would still have a chance to turn the tide.
Di Tian withdrew his gaze and looked at Tang San. The imperial palace, a collection of the essence of human society, indeed had many merits, even impressing the long-lived Di Tian.
This is a civilization completely different from that of the Soul Beasts.
"I'm here to form an alliance with you."
Di Tian got straight to the point.
Unlike the intrigue and power struggles of human society, soul beasts are straightforward and honest, without any hidden agendas. Although Di Tian understands the rules of human society, he has no intention of following them.
Upon hearing this, Tang San was startled.
He was still thinking about how to phrase things so as not to make this senior feel awkward, when unexpectedly, Senior Di Tian directly proposed an 'alliance'. Tang San was overjoyed; it was like a pillow being delivered to someone who was just about to fall asleep.
But this also made him somewhat puzzled and wary. Why would such a top expert want to form an alliance with him?
"Senior Di Tian, I have a question. Your strength is unmatched on the continent, so why do you need an ally? And why me?"
Out of caution, Tang San asked carefully.
Di Tian glanced at Tang San, then shifted his gaze through the wide palace gates to look outside. Neat white jade stones covered the ground, and elite soldiers stood guard attentively; further out, countless officials waited at the palace gates. The everyday life of the people of Tian Dou City appeared in Di Tian's mind through the heavily guarded palace.
What a different world.
"Because of Dai Yao."
Di Tian slowly uttered a name that Tang San never expected.
"Because of Dai Yao?"
Tang San asked incredulously, "Why would a mere Dai Yao force such a peerless expert to form an alliance with him?"
Di Tian sighed and said wistfully:
"Although I don't want to admit it, that's the truth."
Recalling his initial attempt to manipulate Dai Yao, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. He had been too arrogant, so arrogant that he believed he could control the chosen one and carry out his schemes. He had miscalculated one crucial move, ultimately pushing Dai Yao to the opposite side of the entire soul beast race.
Even so, Di Tian still has room to maneuver.
However, according to information from within the Spirit Hall, Di Tian keenly realized that the current Pope Bibi Dong and Dai Yao had an extremely special relationship.
He knew Dai Yao's situation when he left the Spirit Hall; in fact, Dai Yao was running for his life. But what happened next completely surprised Di Tian. Bibi Dong not only let Dai Yao go, but also sent the Holy Maiden to reconcile with him—an attitude that seemed almost like a plea!
If the Spirit Empire were allowed to unify the continent, Dai Yao could use his relationship with Bibi Dong to reveal the hidden spirit beast forces in the Star Dou Great Forest to her, which would be a devastating blow to the spirit beasts.
The thought of a unified human empire unleashing immense war potential sent chills down Di Tian's spine.
Now, he must make a choice regarding the life and death of the soul beasts.
The rise of the Chosen One is unstoppable, and he will surely become a true god in the future. Before Dai Yao becomes a god, Di Tian must gain Dai Yao's understanding.
The Heavenly Dou Empire is the best bargaining chip.
Therefore, he must strive to maintain the Heavenly Dou Empire's invincibility, otherwise all his efforts will be in vain. Of course, if Dai Yao refuses to forgive him, he is also prepared to launch a beast tide; rather than watch the soul beast race gradually perish, he would rather perish together with them.
"As for why it's you, it's because apart from your Clear Sky Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire, there is no other force on the continent that can rival the Spirit Hall. Although the Star Luo Empire is powerful, its Spirit Masters are too weak, so I will not choose them."
Di Tian said calmly.
Tang San keenly discerned the hidden meaning in Di Tian's words.
Di Tian fears Dai Yao, but Dai Yao allied with him to resist the Spirit Empire. What is the connection between the two? Could Dai Yao represent the Spirit Hall?
Secondly, what exactly is the force that Di Tian represents? Despite possessing such terrifying strength, there's never been any record of it; it's as if it appeared out of nowhere. Furthermore, it's an enemy of the Spirit Hall—there doesn't seem to be any other force like that in the world!
Such a force does not exist among humans, unless...
A terrifying thought surfaced in Tang San's mind.
"Senior... just who are you?"
Tang San swallowed hard and asked with some difficulty.
Di Tian glanced at Tang San indifferently and said in a deep voice:
"Didn't you already guess?"
"I am a soul beast."
······
Half an hour later, the elders who had been chasing Dai Yao turned back and returned to the palace.
"What? The young sect leader is still alive?"
The Second Elder was greatly surprised.
Tang Xiao nodded, his face darkening as he thought of the Seventh Elder's death, and explained:
"Yes, a senior suddenly intervened and saved Xiao San and the master. Even I am ashamed of my own strength. I estimate that this senior is not much different from my great-grandfather Tang Chen."
Upon hearing this, the elders were greatly alarmed.
Their grandfather, Tang Chen, was one of the strongest figures on the continent. It was hard to believe that a powerful figure of similar strength had suddenly appeared. However, hearing Tang Xiao's confident words, they had no choice but to believe it.
"Yes, Your Excellencies, we have witnessed that senior's strength with our own eyes, and what Sect Leader Tang said is absolutely true."
Yu Xiaogang sat weakly in the chair, confirming Tang Xiao's statement.
The Fifth Elder looked pained and said angrily:
"It's good that the young sect leader is still alive. That senior was clearly so strong, why didn't he save Seventh Brother?!"
"Fifth brother!"
The second elder shouted. His cloudy eyes made no attempt to conceal his anger:
"Fifth Brother, I understand your thoughts. But who the senior saves and who he doesn't save is entirely up to his own will. He was already incredibly fortunate to save the young sect leader; we should be grateful, not blame him for not saving Seventh Brother!"
Hearing the Second Elder's words, the Fifth Elder had to suppress his anger and could only slap his thigh hard and sigh.
Seeing this, Tang Xiao changed the subject:
"Second Elder, what was the outcome of your pursuit of that boy?"
Upon hearing this, the Second Elder's face immediately darkened, and he slowly said:
"Sigh, we failed. At first, after we all used our rings to activate our power, we tried our best to catch up with that kid and avenge Old Seven. But no matter how hard we chased, the distance between us and that kid remained unchanged. As the boost from our ring activation slowly disappeared and our speed decreased significantly, we found that the distance between us and that kid still hadn't changed."
"That's when we realized that the kid did it on purpose! He deliberately didn't shake us off, keeping us hanging on so we would think we could catch up with him."
"If we go all in and keep exploding the rings, we might catch up with that kid, but it's more likely that he'll exhaust our energy for exploding the rings, and then kill us when we're weakened."
"After much deliberation, I had no choice but to decide to retreat."
Tang Xiao sensed the pain the Second Elder was experiencing when making his decision. Looking at the other elders, whose faces were filled with anguish, he sighed and said:
"Second Elder, you did the right thing. We cannot afford to lose anyone else. If we do, the balance between us and the Spirit Empire will be broken, and the situation could collapse in an instant."
Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flander all felt the biting cold.
The situation is now extremely critical.
Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Tang San walking slowly in, having regained his usual elegance and confidence. The weakness he had just experienced from his injury had disappeared.
"You mistress..."
Upon seeing Tang San's mental state, Yu Xiaogang exclaimed in surprise.
"Mistress, how did your talk with that senior go?"
Tang Xiao quickly asked.
Tang San smiled elegantly. Yuexuan's education had instilled in him impeccable manners that no one could find fault with. He smiled and said:
"I have formed an alliance with the senior. Although he cannot directly take action, he will restrain the Spirit Empire's power from another direction. At that time, the Spirit Empire's power outside Zhennan Pass will be greatly weakened, and that will be our moment to counterattack!"
Although Di Tian is a soul beast, the distinction between human and beast is not so important compared to evil forces like the Spirit Hall.
"This is truly wonderful news, but Young Sect Master, who exactly is that senior? Is he trustworthy?"
The Second Elder's fatigue had lessened considerably; over the years, they had become extremely exhausted in their efforts to defend against the Spirit Hall's attacks.
Tang San paused, glanced at the inquiring faces of the crowd, and thought that he should keep the identity of Senior Di Tian a secret for now.
After all, not everyone is as magnanimous as him, willing to accept the help of soul beast forces. It would be troublesome if someone hindered the alliance with Senior Di Tian because of the difference between humans and beasts.
Those who achieve great things must not be bothered by trifles. Once the die is cast, even if some people are unwilling to accept it, they will have to.
"Elders, our senior has lived in seclusion for many years, detached from worldly affairs. He could not bear to see the evil Spirit Hall unify the continent and bring unimaginable disasters to it, so he stepped in to help. Therefore, he did not want me to reveal his identity, and I hope you will understand."
Tang San smiled elegantly.
Upon hearing this, the crowd had some doubts, but since it was their senior's choice, they didn't press for answers.
"Since the senior is unwilling to reveal it, then we won't ask. Is the senior still alive?"
Tang Xiao asked.
"Senior Di Tian has already left."
Tang San explained. Tang San wasn't deceiving them; after the discussion ended, Di Tian disappeared.
Although everyone felt some regret, they were also much relieved. They had been suppressing their emotions for far too long in the face of the overwhelming offensive of the Spirit Empire. Now, the sudden appearance of a powerful reinforcement was like rain after a long drought.
If we persevere, a bright future will surely come.
······
In a forest within the territory of the Heavenly Dou Empire.
A campfire was lit, its orange-red light piercing the darkness. Many teachers and students from the Elemental Academy sat around the fire, having fled from Tiandou City without a moment's rest, all the way to the pre-arranged meeting point.
The powerful members of the Elemental Academy, except for a few on night watch, gathered in their tents to discuss their future plans. The younger disciples, on the other hand, were gathered around several campfires.
Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, Shui Bing'er, and many other disciples who had participated in the Soul Master Competition gathered around a bonfire, but the atmosphere was somewhat strange. Even the disciples gathered around different bonfires occasionally cast curious glances at Feng Xiaotian's bonfire.
Or rather, he was sizing up Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu.
Finally, Huo Wu glanced at everyone's hesitant faces, pursed her lips, and looking at Shui Bing'er's cold, beautiful face, a nameless jealousy rose in her heart. She spoke up:
"Since none of you are asking, I will! Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, did you two really get together with that guy Dai Yao?!"
Qiu Ruoshui retorted without hesitation:
"Huo Wushuang, keep an eye on your sister. What do you mean by 'getting together'? Can't you speak properly?!"
Upon hearing this, Huo Wushuang wanted to persuade his younger sister, but seeing Huo Wu's stubborn eyes, the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.
He vaguely knew that his sister seemed to have some feelings for Dai Yao, which was why she hadn't accepted Feng Xiaotian's affections. Now it seemed that his feeling was correct. That's why he was so excited after Shui Bing'er and Dai Yao got together.
Beside Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er looked somewhat dejected. She glanced cautiously at Xue Wu and asked in a low voice:
"Sister, is Xuewu really with Dai Yao? Is he really here to save you and Sister Xuewu?"
Shui Bing'er gave a bitter smile and exchanged a glance with Xue Wu. How should she answer?
She and Dai Yao did indeed consummate their marriage, but it was an accident, and it happened with Xue Wu; Dai Yao had defiled her. How could she possibly tell anyone about something so absurd?
Besides, although Dai Yao has shown considerable concern, he hasn't clarified their relationship. What if she says something inappropriate and Dai Yao finds out and clarifies it? How will others perceive the two of them then?
She didn't care about the matter itself, but she had to consider Xue Wu's feelings. Over the years, Xue Wu had fallen deeply in love with Dai Yao, and she didn't want Xue Wu to suffer any harm.
"I······"
Shui Bing'er didn't know how to start the conversation.
Just then, footsteps sounded from the dark woods behind them, and a figure wearing a straw hat and carrying a halberd emerged from the shadows.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Dai Yao slowly sat down beside Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu, removed his bamboo hat, apologized to the two women, and then turned to Huo Wu and the others, saying:
"I did risk entering Tiandou City to save them. Bing'er, Xuewu, and I have been together for a long time. I feel sorry for them, not only because I wronged them, but also for other reasons. I did not make our relationship public."
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent. (End of Chapter)