White Lotus and GiftWuhun City.
The valley where Dai Yao lived in seclusion.
On the open ground in front of the waterfall, Dai Yao sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. A blood-red soul ring hovered above Dai Yao's head, constantly emitting intense soul power fluctuations.
Gazing at the blood-red spirit ring, a hint of sadness flashed in Brigitte's beautiful eyes.
That's Xiong Jun's spirit ring.
She watched Xiong Jun grow up and spent hundreds of thousands of years with him. Although Xiong Jun had a bad temper and did not obey Di Tian's orders, seeing the soul ring left behind after Xiong Jun's death made her feel a little dazed, and her gaze towards Dai Yao became more complicated.
Dai Yao is indeed the key to resolving the conflict between humans and soul beasts, but in doing so, he will inevitably cause the deaths of many of his own kind.
She slowly withdrew her gaze, unsure how to describe her feelings.
Suddenly, a chill ran down her spine and into her brain. Brigitte turned her head abruptly and found the woman who had brought Dai Yao out of the Lake of Life staring straight at her. She was certain that if she had tried to do anything to Dai Yao just now, she would be dead.
A fleeting stiffness crossed her face, and Brigitte smiled gently again, gazing at the stunningly beautiful woman who even she found breathtaking, and asked:
"Bibi Dong, your relationship with Dai Yao seems to be more than just ordinary?"
However, Bibi Dong merely glanced at her coldly and said indifferently:
Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask.
Brigitte paused for a moment, then looked away somewhat awkwardly, her mind filled with unspoken thoughts, unable to voice her question.
Clearly, this woman named Bibi Dong is not someone to be trifled with. But why is Dai Yao so close to her? What secret lies behind this? Given Bibi Dong's age, how could Dai Yao possibly be connected to her?
Thinking of this, her thoughts suddenly stopped.
Given her age, it seems even more impossible for her to be associated with Dai Yao...
As his thoughts shifted, the fluctuations in soul power within the valley visibly weakened. A short while later, the blood-red soul ring slowly descended, becoming the fifth ring in Dai Yao's soul ring sequence.
Xiong Jun's spirit ring had been sealed within Dai Yao's Chaotic Green Lotus Martial Soul. Now that he had returned to Martial Soul City, Dai Yao quickly absorbed Xiong Jun's spirit ring to prevent any unforeseen changes.
"As expected of the king among the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bears—Bear King, after absorbing its soul ring, it actually pushed my soul power level to level ninety-seven."
"Not only that, but it also granted me two soul skills, Dark Gold Terror Claw and Sky-Rending Claw. Xiong Jun is known in the soul beast world for his powerful attacks, and these two soul skills are probably more than enough to make him my strongest single-target offensive soul skill."
Dai Yao thought to himself with some excitement.
It's important to understand that the soul power required for Dai Yao to level up already far exceeds that of other soul masters of the same level. Moreover, after entering the Super Douluo realm, the soul power required for each level up is several times that of the previous level. Therefore, it's reasonable that Xiong Jun, with over 400,000 years of cultivation, only managed to level up by one level.
"However, after level 97, the soul power required for the remaining two levels is enormous. Even a genius like Golden Crocodile Douluo would have to spend nearly a hundred years to reach level 98, and level 99 is even more distant."
"But I still have eight soul rings missing. The Sacred White Tiger Martial Soul is missing its sixth soul ring; the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger Martial Soul is missing its seventh soul ring; and the last soul ring slot is naturally reserved for the Deep Sea Demon Whale. If I collect all my soul rings, raising my soul power to level ninety-nine will not be a problem."
"At that time, I can officially inherit the position of Sea God."
Feeling the surging soul power within his body, Dai Yao couldn't help but let out a long roar.
A surge of energy erupted from Dai Yao, causing the trees to sway, the waterfall to cascade, and birds to take flight. For a moment, the entire valley fell silent. A few breaths later, the waterfall, suspended in mid-air, crashed down, instantly creating huge splashes on the calm lake surface, which then struck Dai Yao.
Despite being soaked to the bone, Dai Yao felt extremely refreshed.
Having reached the Title Douluo realm, one can go anywhere in the world! No one in the world is invincible!
"Congratulations, Dai Yao."
Bibi Dong stepped forward slowly, her long dress trailing on the ground, her demeanor elegant. She smiled slightly at Dai Yao. Her eyebrows were arched, and the coldness that had lingered in her beautiful eyes for many years had lessened, replaced by a touch of humanity.
"I also have to thank you for protecting me for so long. After absorbing two soul bones, you also absorbed a soul ring."
Why are we being so polite between us?
Bibi Dong rolled her eyes at Dai Yao.
Dai Yao paused for a moment, then chuckled:
"Yes, I was wrong. By the way, I've kept you occupied for so long. Is it alright for Wuhun City to continue operating? Will it delay the defensive deployment against the Star Dou Great Forest?"
Upon hearing this, a confident and domineering aura unconsciously shone through Bibi Dong's stunningly beautiful face as she said:
"Although I have left Spirit City, I think no one would dare to disobey my orders."
Dai Yao naturally trusted Bibi Dong's prestige in Spirit City and breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's good."
Dai Yao actually wanted to go to the southern defense line of the Star Dou Great Forest from the beginning, which was the direction of the Qinglian Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's defenses, but he was delayed for various reasons and had to stay in Wuhun City.
If his actions cause a lapse in the defenses of the Star Dou Great Forest, resulting in many unnecessary casualties when the beast tide arrives, then his sins would be immense. Fortunately, he will not affect the defensive deployment.
Bibi Dong glanced at Bi Ji, her eyes filled with an inscrutable emotion, and chuckled softly:
"Alright, Dai Yao, now that you've absorbed your spirit ring, I'll be leaving now. Oh, by the way, if you don't have anything else to do, come to the Papal Palace. I have a gift for you."
Dai Yao was slightly taken aback, somewhat curious:
"Okay, I'll come over in a few days."
After he agreed, Bibi Dong immediately disappeared into the valley, with only faint ripples in the space indicating that Bibi Dong had just been there.
Brigitte glanced nervously at the spot where Bibi Dong had just been, her voice tinged with urgency:
"Dai Yao, do you still stand by your promise?"
Seeing her kinsmen have their soul rings absorbed by Dai Yao; seeing such a powerful woman protecting Dai Yao so much; alone in the human world, no matter how high her cultivation level was, she always felt a vague unease in her heart.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao looked at Bi Ji's furrowed brows and understood her thoughts. He solemnly said:
"Of course, I will not break my promise. I will improve the relationship between humans and soul beasts. Now, once the storm of the beast tide has passed, the continent will be unified, and I will have nothing to worry about. I can then focus on becoming a god. At that time, I will fulfill my promise."
Brigitte's furrowed brows relaxed slightly, but the lingering sorrow remained.
Three days later, after adjusting to his surge in soul power and learning about the Spirit Empire's preparations outside the Star Dou Great Forest, Dai Yao felt much more at ease. Even if a beast tide broke out, the soul beasts of the Star Dou Great Forest wouldn't be able to escape this inescapable net.
Therefore, Dai Yao decided to head south to the southern part of the Star Dou Great Forest, where the Qinglian Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were stationed.
Since returning from the Sea God Temple, Dai Yao had traveled to three places: Han Hai City, the Heavenly Dou Empire, and the Star Dou Great Forest. For some reason, he felt like he had been away from Zhu Zhuqing and the others for a very long time…
Before parting, Dai Yao had to make a trip to the Papal Palace. Bibi Dong had prepared a gift for him, and he also had a gift to give to Bibi Dong.
Wuhun City, Papal Palace.
As the court session ended, the cardinal who remained in Wuhun City slowly descended Papal Hill, and the doors of the Papal Palace opened once more.
"You've arrived."
Bibi Dong, leaning on her papal scepter, was elegant and dignified. However, when she saw the newcomer, a smile appeared on her face that many cardinals had never seen before. She slowly stepped down from the papal throne and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Bibi Dong, I've come to say goodbye. I've been away from home for so long, it's time for me to go back and visit. I remember you gave me a gift last time, and actually, I also have a gift I want to give you."
Once the palace doors closed, Dai Yao's tense expression immediately relaxed.
"Oh? What is it?"
Bibi Dong raised her eyes slightly, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily pursed slightly, revealing a faint smile on her beautiful face.
After all these years, it seemed like this was the first time she had received a gift, and her incredibly desolate heart involuntarily skipped a beat.
On the one hand, as the Pope, she was of noble status, dignified and elegant, making people feel that she was unapproachable and that no one would dare to approach her or even give her gifts; on the other hand, her cold and lifeless heart also rejected anyone who tried to get close to her.
Dai Yao glanced around the Papal Palace and said solemnly:
"I need a place that is absolutely safe."
Bibi Dong seemed to understand something, and turned to lead the way, saying:
"Come with me."
Dai Yao followed slowly.
"There are many places in the Papal Palace that can be considered safe, but there is only one truly safe place. You have been there before."
Bibi Dong said with a smile, her expression showing a hint of nostalgia.
Dai Yao's heart skipped a beat, and he said in surprise:
"Could it be that secret room?"
Bibi Dong stopped and turned to look at Dai Yao, her eyes filled with an indescribable emotion. She nodded slightly.
Meeting that sorrowful gaze, Dai Yao was stunned for a moment.
In that secret chamber, Bibi Dong experienced something she could never erase; it was also in that secret chamber that Dai Yao and Bibi Dong entered the Rakshasa God Realm together, and Dai Yao opened the door to Bibi Dong's dead and silent heart.
Bibi Dong stopped on her way to the secret chamber, stopped by that painful memory she could never forget. It was that experience that completely changed Bibi Dong's life, twisting her and making her terrifying…
Is this fate? The place that once inflicted endless pain on Bibi Dong will also become the place of her 'rebirth'?
Dai Yao suddenly stepped forward, grabbed Bibi Dong's hand, and walked straight towards the secret room.
When Dai Yao suddenly grabbed her hands, Bibi Dong was somewhat flustered, her steps became unsteady, and she could only let Dai Yao pull her forward, completely unlike the cold and aloof pope she was known for.
As you slowly descend the escalator, the stone walls become increasingly damp and eerie. Before long, you arrive at the secret chamber.
The secret chamber was eerie and terrifying, with the remains of the former Pope Qian Xunji lying on the ground around the stone throne. He could never have imagined that he would be in such a miserable state after his death.
"Bibi Dong, I know that what happened here has completely changed you. I can't go back to the past and rescue you from this secret room. All I can do is give you a chance to redeem yourself. How you get over that hurdle is up to you."
Dai Yao stared into Bibi Dong's clear, cold eyes and said seriously.
Immediately, with a flick of his wrist, a white lotus flower appeared in his palm.
The white lotus petals gently unfurled, pure and radiant, as if gathering all the beauty in the world. Even with Bibi Dong's cold heart, she couldn't help but be moved by it.
"This is?"
Bibi Dong stared intently at Bai Lian, her gaze seemingly unable to look away.
Dai Yao smiled and said:
"This is my gift to you. You already know why my wife, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others' martial souls seem to have evolved since they came with me. This is the secret."
The White Lotus is a new lotus flower that emerged from the Chaos Green Lotus after Dai Yao obtained his ninth soul ring.
The white lotus is pure and holy, making people feel ashamed of themselves. Dai Yao was initially troubled, not knowing who to give it to, but after careful consideration, he decided to give it to Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong experienced despair; her lover abandoned her, and her master turned out to be a hypocrite. Everything she once believed in collapsed. Therefore, she lost hope in the world. In the place of the Asura God's trial, she unexpectedly received the inheritance of the evil Rakshasa God.
Although this white lotus cannot reverse time or undo what happened back then, this object of utmost goodness can give Bibi Dong a glimmer of hope. Even if she becomes the Rakshasa God, she will not be driven by the Rakshasa God's power as in the original story, becoming ugly and hideous.
Bibi Dong looked away from the white lotus and stared blankly at Dai Yao, as if the incomparably precious white lotus was no match for Dai Yao.
"Why are you looking at me? Quickly consume this lotus flower, lest something unexpected happen."
Seeing this, Dai Yao handed over the lotus flower in his hand and asked with a smile.
Bibi Dong suddenly smiled, as if she had a magical power that made Dai Yao unable to look away.
Although Bibi Dong was slightly less beautiful than Zhu Zhuqing and the others after consuming the lotus, at this moment, she gave Dai Yao the feeling that the world had lost its color.
"Thank you, Dai Yao."
Seeing Dai Yao's stunned expression, Bibi Dong stepped forward and hugged him tightly, speaking softly.
No amount of words can describe her feelings at this moment.
As one of the top soul masters on the continent, she was well aware of the terrifying power of this white lotus. It was no exaggeration to describe it as heaven-defying. Even the power of the Rakshasa God was qualitatively different from that of the white lotus.
However, Dai Yao gave her the white lotus without any apparent concern that she might reveal it. This feeling of being trusted made her want to burst into tears.
Why are we being so polite between us?
Dai Yao winked at Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong had said the same words to Dai Yao a few days ago. But hearing them today gave Bibi Dong a completely different feeling, and a warmth filled her heart.
He nodded, took the white lotus from Dai Yao, and consumed it.
Countless points of light appeared out of thin air, like an ocean of light, illuminating the entire secret chamber. To Bibi Dong's astonishment, the ocean of light slowly converged, enveloping Bibi Dong and forming a giant cocoon of light.
The sealed room fell silent again, with only the buzzing of the light spots around the cocoon remaining.
Looking at the cocoon of light before him, Dai Yao didn't know how to describe his feelings.
He felt a mix of relief, pride, and感慨 (a sense of deep emotion), for he had completely changed Bibi Dong's fate.
In the original story, Bibi Dong, who was so desperate as to attempt to destroy the world, was able to overcome the torment of her painful past and find hope in life under his influence. This made him feel somewhat gratified, as he didn't want Bibi Dong, who had experienced such a painful past, to only feel a little warmth at the moment of her death.
That would be too cruel to compare with Dong.
It would still take some time before he could truly transform himself, so Dai Yao simply sat down cross-legged to cultivate. It would require a considerable amount of time before he could fully adapt to the surge in soul power.
After an unknown amount of time, the long-silent cocoon of light suddenly emitted a fluctuation of soul power. Dai Yao abruptly opened his eyes and saw the cocoon of light begin to tremble slightly. Accompanied by a series of cracking sounds, cracks appeared on the cocoon of light, and dazzling light shot out through the cracks.
Dai Yao couldn't help but shield his eyes with his hand. The next moment, a warm touch covered his lips. He immediately realized what was happening, remained silent for a moment, then pulled back and released the warm touch, smiling wryly:
"We shouldn't have done these things..."
A clear, cool voice rang out, carrying a captivating charm, yet with a firm tone:
"Is it because of Nana? Or because of my daughter? To me, so-called ethics and morality are meaningless. After all, in those people's eyes, aren't I just a madman? Today, all I want is you. I want to give you everything I have..."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao paused for a moment, then without further hesitation, reached out and embraced that snow-white, smooth skin.
The same locked room, the same story, the same woman, but the ending is different. This time, she was willing, even delighted...
Beside the stone seat, the skeleton lay quietly on the ground, watching everything that was happening before its eyes.
The causes of the past are the consequences of today. If he could do it all over again, how would he feel?
······
Several days later.
His Holiness the Pope, who had disappeared for several days, reappeared, and the somewhat turbulent Papal Palace returned to stability.
After the bishops had left, a figure suddenly appeared in the empty papal hall, walked straight to the papal throne, and naturally put his arm around the Pope's slender waist. The Pope, whom they revered so much, offered no resistance whatsoever, even shifting his ample buttocks slightly to make the man's embrace more comfortable.
If those bishops were to see this, they would probably be so shocked their jaws would drop.
"After all these days, are you still so fond of it?"
Bibi Dong still leaned on her papal scepter, her two long, slender legs crossed, her posture dignified and imposing. Feeling the warmth from the large hand on her waist, she smiled faintly and teased.
Dai Yao chuckled:
"certainly."
He had to admit that he had been controlled by his own mind that day, leading him to do what he did. But looking back, if he had to choose again, he would still agree without hesitation. He had thought of himself as a good person, but now it seemed those guys were absolutely right—just a lustful bastard.
Bibi Dong said with a half-smile:
"In that case, how about we tell Nana about our relationship?"
Dai Yao's expression stiffened, and he immediately tried to pull his hand back from Bibi Dong's waist, but Bibi Dong held it firmly. Bibi Dong rolled her eyes at him, then sighed and said:
"I was just teasing you. I'm not stupid. How could I not know what kind of uproar our relationship would cause across the entire continent if it got out? All I want is you, but I don't want our relationship to cause you any trouble."
"I only hope that you will leave a place for me in your heart..."
Dai Yao was deeply moved. Meeting her beautiful eyes, he said with absolute certainty:
"I will never betray you!"
Bibi Dong smiled gently:
"I'm content with your thoughtfulness. Oh, and I still have a gift for you. I wonder if you'll be satisfied with it."
Immediately, Dai Yao concealed himself. Bibi Dong gave a few instructions to her subordinates. When the doors of the Papal Palace reopened, Dai Yao's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the two figures brought in. He exclaimed in astonishment:
"This is······"
It was Liu Erlong and Tang Yuehua. (End of Chapter)