Chapter 399: I, Dai Yao, Have Returned to Collect What's Owed!
As the ranks of Qinglian Sect disciples grew behind him, Dai Yao couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, feeling his fighting spirit blaze within him. Today was the day of reckoning!
Ahead, the majestic Xingluo Palace stood faintly in the swirling snow. Infusing his body with soul power, Dai Yao raised his head as the White Tiger's Eight Wings burst forth behind him. With a mighty flap, he soared into the sky, piercing the winter haze.
He looked down upon the Xingluo Palace, memories flooding back, and coldly hummed. Soul power surged within him as his fourth black soul ring ignited. A moment later, a rumbling thunder echoed above, and a massive pillar of lightning struck down on the palace walls.
BOOM!
The impact shattered part of the wall, sending stones flying. Soldiers nearby were thrown to the ground, wounded and groaning. They had seen nothing but a flash of black light before lightning descended upon them.
Within the palace, ministers on their way to court turned toward the sound in disbelief. The audacity of the attack left them astounded.
"Enemy attack!"
Nearby soldiers rushed to respond, alarm spreading. In the howling wind and snow, the clatter of armor resounded as hundreds of soldiers assembled before the palace gates.
The thunderclap echoed across the city, drawing the attention of all within Xingluo. Nobles sent their attendants out to investigate, eager to learn what was happening within the palace. Such powerful fluctuations of soul power within Xingluo City were extremely rare.
Outside the palace, the thunderous lightning blast cleared the snow-laden air. The soldiers now had a clear view of Dai Yao hovering above them. One officer raised his weapon, shouting, "Who are you to dare trespass upon the Xingluo Palace? Do you have a death wish?"
Dai Yao gazed down at the soldiers coldly—they were not his targets. His eyes shifted past them toward the inner palace, hidden behind curtains of snow, where powerful presences had already begun to stir. A faint smile crept onto his lips.
Suddenly, the sound of several figures breaking through the air resounded as streaks of light shot forth from within the palace.
Leading the charge was the Grand Elder, followed closely by four other elders at the Soul Douluo rank. Two eunuchs dressed in opulent robes joined them, floating midair. From the inner palace, a woman also appeared, bearing the likeness of the Zhu clan.
The Grand Elder kept his eyes half-closed, expressionless, though his heart was far from calm.
"This boy's reputation is well-earned," he thought. "Such a simple attack, yet with formidable power—far beyond what an ordinary Soul Emperor could achieve. Clearly, he has come prepared for revenge."
The two eunuchs wore expressions of hostility; the Second Elder radiated killing intent; the Third Elder's gaze was tinged with regret, and the Fourth Elder seemed detached, his gaze cold and indifferent. The Fifth Elder, however, stood there in silent remorse. If only he had supported Dai Yao years ago, perhaps the situation would be different now.
The woman from the Zhu clan wore a look of interest. The Zhu clan had two Soul Douluo: herself and the elder who had once hunted Dai Yao. When she heard of Dai Yao's return, that elder had fled Xingluo City, warning her not to get too entangled with the Dai family, or she would risk the clan's annihilation. Her curiosity was piqued—what could Dai Yao possess that could frighten her clan's elder into silence?
Together, nearly ten Soul Douluo exuded an overpowering aura, aiming it directly at Dai Yao.
Yet Dai Yao, like an unyielding mountain, stood motionless beneath their oppressive pressure.
As the ministers watched in awe, the Xingluo Emperor halted the court assembly, striding toward the palace gates in his regal white tiger robe. With a sharp scoff, he leapt into the air to stand beside the Grand Elder.
Though his expression remained calm, the Xingluo Emperor felt waves of shock ripple through him. The fierce determination and presence Dai Yao radiated were blindingly powerful—even his own younger self had not shone so brightly.
Despite the bond of blood, if Dai Yao insisted on seeking death, the Emperor wouldn't hesitate to grant it.
His tiger-like eyes narrowed, icy and resolute. "Dai Yao, so you dared to return. Do you come alone to court death?"
Dai Yao laughed. As his laughter filled the air, a long spear shot from the snow, piercing through the aura of the gathered elders, its cold gleam aimed straight at the Xingluo Emperor!
The dark spear tore through the surrounding air, shattering the snow in its path. The assembled Soul Douluo knew they could not intercept such a strike easily, and the Xingluo Emperor himself felt a pulse of dread—this was a fatal threat.
Though he hadn't fought in years, the Emperor was once a famed warrior. The spear's wielder possessed power enough to threaten his life!
The Grand Elder's gaze sharpened. In a flash, he appeared before the Emperor, fingers forming a claw as he struck the spear with force. The weapon veered off-course with a sharp clang, and, sensing its failure, the spear's owner called it back. The weapon hummed, then disappeared once more into the storm.
"Who's there?" the Grand Elder demanded, his eyes wary.
A sharp whistle pierced the air, and Yang Wudi emerged from the snow, landing by Dai Yao's side with eight soul rings glowing around him.
"Yang Wudi, eighty-second-level assault-type Battle Soul Douluo—at your service."
Yang Wudi grinned, though the killing intent in his eyes was unmistakable. Next, two figures emerged, one brawny and the other lean, both radiating with the light of eight soul rings—Niu Gao and Bai He.
"Niu Gao, eighty-fourth-level defense-type Battle Soul Douluo—at your service."
"Bai He, eighty-second-level agility-type Soul Douluo—at your service."
At that moment, a shadowy green figure stepped out of the snow, rising slowly into the sky. As he ascended, nine soul rings appeared around him, leaving everyone stunned.
Nine rings. Titled Douluo!
Dugu Bo hovered next to Dai Yao, his tone calm, "Dugu Bo, ninety-third-level control-type Titled Douluo—at your service."
With so many powerhouses at his side, Dai Yao's golden hair fluttered in the wind, and his chest swelled with pride. His laughter rolled like thunder, spreading through the snowy air. His powerful aura of killing intent shocked the entire city.
"Dai family, Zhu family—I, Dai Yao, have returned today to settle the score!"
His declaration crashed down like a stone in a calm lake, and after a moment of silence, Xingluo City erupted into an uproar.
That long-forbidden name, buried in the memories of Xingluo, resurfaced in the minds of all who saw Dai Yao's figure, surrounded by his powerful allies. The collective energy of the two sides collided, sweeping away the snow around them, as the strongest in Xingluo City stared at the figure encircled by such formidable fighters. Memories of that fourth prince and the unresolved history began to rise among the crowd.
"It's really him—the Fourth Prince. He's truly returned!"
Countless spectators thought this in shock.
Beside Dai Yao stood three Soul Douluo, a Titled Douluo, and nearly five hundred Soul Kings below. Many onlookers gasped in amazement.
"Could that really be Dai Yao, the one who fled all those years ago?"
"It's him. He looks more mature now, but you can still see the resemblance from back then. They say his mother was harmed by the current Empress, so he's likely here to take revenge! It's shocking that in only a few years, he's not only grown so powerful but has gathered this many strong followers!"
"It looks like the royal family is in for a lot of trouble today!"
"Trouble? Ha! Don't underestimate the royal family. Even though the Fourth Prince has considerable strength—he even has a Titled Douluo—he's still no match for the empire. This revenge of his might just be a fool's errand!"
"If that's true, we should support the royal family! Imagine what would happen if they win and then decide to come after us."
"Not so fast. The Fourth Prince isn't stupid. He's evaded the empire's pursuit and risen to this power. He's surely come with careful plans. There might be hidden aces we don't see yet. We should observe and weigh our options carefully."
While many chose to stay neutral, some noble families and officials, aligned with the Xingluo Empire, were ready to leap to the royal family's defense. Dai Yao's open confrontation felt like a direct slap in their faces, a blow to their loyalty and status. Yet despite the impulse to defend, others recognized the overwhelming odds: even with his followers, Dai Yao was only a handful of five hundred against the combined strength of the Dai and Zhu families. With the royal family's soul masters included, his forces seemed spread too thin.
Meanwhile, in the Xingluo City branch of the Spirit Hall, Ferdinand sat solemnly, eyes on the palace where the two forces faced off. Staring at the rapidly updated intelligence reports, he finally gave a quiet order.
"I said—do not move."
Ferdinand's command shot through Xingluo City like lightning. The powers who had initially intended to support the royal family promptly backed down. Ministers and officials within the palace exchanged tense glances, each feigning ignorance of the confrontation taking place in the sky above.
As the murmur of voices spread through the city, the Xingluo Emperor's expression grew darker. Despite the city's many factions, none dared to intervene now that Spirit Hall had applied subtle pressure. Turning to Dai Yao, his gaze was frigid, and he sneered.
"You wretched child. Sparing your life was my mercy, but since you seek death, I will grant it! You will not leave alive today!"
Scanning the soul masters assembled at Dai Yao's side, the Emperor's eyes widened slightly. Nearly five hundred Soul Kings had joined Dai Yao—a number comparable to the thousand or so Soul Kings among the palace guards. If left unchecked, this threat would only grow. He felt fortunate that he had used clever schemes to lure Dai Yao back.
The Spirit Hall's decision to remain uninvolved was a mystery, but the Emperor realized that now was the ideal moment to eliminate Dai Yao.
With a 96th-level Super Douluo on their side and ten Soul Douluo, the Xingluo forces were sure of their advantage. Against that, Dai Yao's allies included only a 93rd-level Titled Douluo and three Soul Douluo.
"The advantage is mine!" thought the Emperor.
"Who lives or dies is far from decided! Today, I will take both your head and the Empress's as offerings to my mother's spirit!" Dai Yao's gaze was equally cold as he responded.
Despite the number disparity, Dai Yao's allies had their own strengths. The coordination between his three Soul Douluo allies, combined with Yang Wudi's prowess, leveled the playing field. While Dugu Bo wasn't a Super Douluo, his capabilities in group combat presented a formidable challenge to the Grand Elder.
Hearing Dai Yao's irreverent words, the Emperor's composure finally broke. After years of royal dignity, no one had ever dared speak of taking his head. His gaze swept over Dai Yao's allies, recognizing their soul rings and abilities.
"The Po Clan? The Yu Clan? The Min Clan? You're from the four single-attribute clans once allied with the Clear Sky Sect? You dare oppose me? You court death!"
Unfazed by the Emperor's threats, Yang Wudi scoffed dismissively.
"Clear Sky Sect? Don't mention it. We're part of the Qinglian Sect now. Our lord's grudge is ours to settle. We're courting death? Old man, worry about yourself!"
Niu Gao and Bai He nodded in agreement.
The Emperor frowned but turned his gaze to Dugu Bo, speaking sternly.
"Bi Lin Douluo, you have no connection to Xingluo Empire. Why support this ingrate? Aren't you afraid of bringing ruin upon your Bi Lin clan?"
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed, his pupils glinting like a serpent's. His family was his only weakness, and he despised anyone who used them against him.
The Grand Elder swiftly interjected, positioning himself between Dugu Bo and the Emperor. "Old snake," he growled, "I suggest you think twice before meddling in this. You cannot afford the consequences."
Unfazed by the Grand Elder's mental intimidation, Dugu Bo's rasping voice sent chills down spines.
"Heh, old tiger—you can keep your threats. I don't respond to those. Listen well: Dai Yao is my granddaughter's husband. If you want to kill him, you'll have to go through me first!"
The Grand Elder frowned. "So, old snake, you insist on making an enemy of Xingluo Empire? If that's your choice, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
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