Chapter 401: Dai Yao vs. the Xingluo Emperor! Blood Runs Red!
"Mother, I lost."
Back in the cold palace, Dai Mubai lay on the floor in defeat, unable to meet his mother's gaze. He knew all too well what his mother had hoped for him, but having failed so badly, he could already predict her reaction. Not that it mattered much anymore—he had long since given up on seeking her approval.
But to his surprise, no reprimand came.
The Empress gently caressed his cheek, her hand soft, almost tender, like the gentle touch of a true mother. Dai Mubai looked up in astonishment.
"Mubai, it's not your fault. You did your best," the Empress said softly.
In the skies above, the shame of Dai Mubai's defeat sent a ripple of humiliation through the Xingluo forces, intensifying the tension between the two sides.
"How utterly arrogant. I'll admit, Dai Yao, that you've grown stronger over the years and caused quite a bit of trouble. I deeply regret sparing you back then. But don't think for a moment that you'll leave the empire alive today!"
With a voice that cut through the air like ice, the Emperor's demeanor transformed, shedding his prior calm. A powerful wave of soul energy surged from him, sweeping up flurries of snow in a shockwave that spread out in every direction.
Even the Soul Douluos among the observers felt a chill run through them. For the first time, they realized that the one closest to achieving the Title of Douluo within the entire Dai family was not one of the Grand Elders—but the Xingluo Emperor himself.
The Grand Elder looked on in surprise as the Emperor revealed the depths of his strength. For years, the Emperor had concealed his true power, even from the Elder Council. Although nominally under royal authority, the Council's influence far exceeded the Emperor's, which had naturally created friction between the two factions.
Feeling the Emperor's overwhelming presence, Dai Yao's expression grew serious. The Emperor's strength differed from what he had in his intelligence reports—at a soul power level of eighty-eight, the Emperor was just a small step away from reaching the Title Douluo level.
"So, this revenge will indeed be a bitter fight," Dai Yao thought grimly.
"Loyal soldiers of Xingluo!" the Emperor's voice boomed across the battlefield, his cold gaze sweeping over the Qinglian Sect disciples. "Leave not a single one of these invaders alive!" He paused, his words cutting like knives through the air. "Whether he is a prince or a traitor, let all see that those who dare invade Xingluo meet only one fate—death!"
As the Emperor's command fell, a taut silence overtook the scene, the tense air thick with the promise of violence. Then, like a drumbeat, the sound of clashing armor echoed as the imperial guards drew their weapons and released their martial spirits. Yellow, purple, and black soul rings glowed brilliantly as thousands of guardsmen readied for battle, their fierce aura inspiring fear even in the hearts of the two Title Douluos.
"Charge!"
The guards surged forward as a wall of iron, their synchronized steps echoing like a relentless war drum, hammering at the nerves of the Qinglian Sect disciples.
"Form up!" shouted Niu Ben from the Qinglian Sect.
In a matter of moments, five hundred Qinglian Sect disciples rearranged themselves into formations, the Defense Division moving to the front, Medical Division taking the center, and the Intelligence Division taking position at the rear. The disciples formed into small, three-person groups, each spaced evenly across the battlefield.
The disciples of the Intelligence Division armed their Zhuge Crossbows, the mechanical clicking of strings tightening filling the air.
"Fire!"
As the imperial guards closed in, Niu Ben gave the order.
A volley of arrows shot out like a storm, racing toward the approaching imperial guards. In the blink of an eye, the front lines of the imperial guards collapsed like harvested wheat, their screams filling the air. But they were not ordinary soldiers; they were highly trained soul masters who maintained strict discipline even amidst their casualties.
Healing lights from the Medical Division bathed the injured guards, their wounds closing at a visible pace. The first volley had barely injured dozens.
As the guards pressed forward, closing the gap between the two armies, Niu Ben wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled grimly, addressing his comrades, "The real battle is just beginning."
Under the leadership of Dugu Yan, the three single-attribute clans of the Qinglian Sect had undergone a transformation. Each unit was a three-person team: the Defense Clan warriors provided shields, the Attack Clan struck with relentless power, while the Speed Clan darted between enemies, creating deadly diversions with hidden weapons.
Finally, the two forces clashed head-on. Soul abilities ignited, illuminating the palace grounds as beams of light and explosions filled the air.
The roars of battle mixed with cries of pain as blood and flesh littered the ground. Though the Qinglian Sect disciples managed to hold the line with their effective teamwork, the sheer number of imperial guards, nearly double that of their forces, placed them at a disadvantage. The Qinglian Sect was slowly being overwhelmed.
Above, in the skies, an equally grim confrontation unfolded.
The Grand Elder and Dugu Bo both activated their seventh spirit rings, their oppressive energy filling the air as their martial spirits took form. The Jade Phosphor Serpent King, with its long and sleek body, glared at its adversary with cold, emerald eyes, while the ferocious White Tiger exuded an aura of death, sending chills down the spines of onlookers.
With a shared understanding, the two titanic beasts let out piercing roars before hurtling skyward, away from the main battle, to avoid devastating the fighters below with the fallout of their clash. Should Dugu Bo's poison seep out, Xingluo City would transform into a living nightmare.
Reaching high altitude, the two unleashed their full might. Massive waves of soul power and techniques capable of rending mountains clashed repeatedly.
The White Tiger's claws slashed through the serpent's scales, leaving Dugu Bo wounded. Though formidable, his poison attacks provided little advantage in a one-on-one battle, and the power gap between them—Dugu Bo at level ninety-three and the Grand Elder at level ninety-six—was insurmountable.
Once again, the Grand Elder's claws raked Dugu Bo's scales, drawing green blood. Narrowing his eyes, the White Tiger spoke, "Old poisoner, you're outmatched. I'll give you one last chance to retreat, or I'll show no mercy."
Despite his injuries, Dugu Bo's serpent form remained defiant, hissing coldly. "Old tiger, how many 'last chances' have you already given me? You talk big, but for all your power, you're weak-hearted, stuck in endless hesitation."
"Y-you…" The Grand Elder's face twitched in a flash of anger.
Dugu Bo chuckled ominously. "Listen well, old tiger. Defeating me would mean the death of Xingluo City. I'll take everyone with me, if that's what it takes. So, I'd suggest you think carefully—do you care more about killing me or saving your empire?"
His words struck the Grand Elder like a hammer blow.
Looking down at the sprawling city below, the Grand Elder hesitated. Xingluo City was a legacy spanning millennia. Should he risk the lives of its citizens?
A grim determination filled his gaze as he looked back at Dugu Bo.
"Dugu Bo, should you unleash your poison on Xingluo's people, you'll bear the burden of their deaths. Not even your Qinglian Sect will escape retribution. Doesn't your conscience stir at the thought of your own people suffering?"
Dugu Bo only grinned. "Their deaths are none of my concern. All I care about is ensuring Dai Yao survives."
The weight of Dugu Bo's words settled heavily on the Grand Elder, filling him with a profound sense of unease.
"You madman, you're a complete madman!"
The Grand Elder couldn't hold back his frustration, shaking his head in exasperation. He simply couldn't understand Dugu Bo's unwavering loyalty to Dai Yao—why would Dugu Bo risk his life to protect him? Was it only because Dai Yao was his granddaughter's husband?
The Grand Elder couldn't fathom Dugu Bo's mindset, nor did he dare risk Xingluo City on a gamble. Even if there was only a small chance, Dugu Bo's reputation for reckless action was legendary.
With a long, steady breath, the Grand Elder withdrew his martial spirit, returning to human form. Facing the likewise transformed Dugu Bo, he remarked coldly, "Does stalling me have any meaning? Do you truly believe Dai Yao can defeat the Emperor?"
Swallowing a healing pill to mend his injuries, Dugu Bo replied evenly, "Whether he can or not isn't my concern. My job is to hold you back."
The Grand Elder glanced down at the battlefield below, bewildered. The Qinglian Sect was visibly on the defensive, both on the ground and in the air. Though Yang Wudi's formidable spear was holding off the seven Soul Douluo, he and Niu Gao were struggling against the overwhelming numbers. Inside the royal palace, several powerful warriors stood ready, waiting for a chance to strike if Dai Yao's forces showed even the slightest weakness.
"White Bird, hurry up!" Niu Gao grunted under the onslaught, struggling against the intense assault of seven elite fighters. "I'm not sure how much longer I can last here!"
"On my way!"
Even before White Crane's voice echoed back, an array of concealed weapons sliced through the air, whistling toward the Dai family's Soul Douluo. Though the attacks weren't fatal, they were enough to disrupt the coordination of the elder council and palace guards, forcing them to dodge.
"Damn it! Family Head of the Zhu Clan, keep an eye on that pure-speed Soul Douluo so we can focus on these two!" the Second Elder ordered sharply, his eyes filled with cold resolve. He couldn't let Dai Yao's allies survive; they were a threat that could not be allowed to persist.
The Zhu Clan's leader hesitated. "Second Elder, I am indeed an agility-type Soul Master, but there's no way I can match his speed. If he doesn't want to fight, I won't even be able to touch him!"
Even though she shared the same rank, White Crane was a pure agility Soul Douluo, moving at speeds comparable to agility Title Douluo. Despite her protests, she still activated her soul skills, half-heartedly attempting to stall White Crane while trying not to overextend herself.
Below them, the clash intensified once again.
Yang Wudi's offensive might was on par with a Title Douluo, while Niu Gao's defenses were equally formidable. Together, they managed to hold back six Soul Douluo through a combination of skill and sheer willpower.
From his vantage point within Xingluo Royal Academy, Dai Hengyu observed the unfolding conflict with growing unease. After a moment of tense reflection, he sighed and spoke softly, "Shadow, go. Aid Dai Yao."
A figure cloaked in gray appeared behind Dai Hengyu, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Master…"
"Go," Dai Hengyu insisted, urging the shadowed figure forward. Dai Yao had come back because of him, and he had to ensure Dai Yao survived. If things continued as they were, Dai Yao's life would be in jeopardy.
With a swift leap, the gray-clad figure launched himself into the air, his eight soul rings flaring as his first soul skill fired a powerful attack into the Xingluo ranks.
"Dai Hengyu, how dare you!"
The Second Elder roared, turning to see the gray-clad Soul Douluo barreling into the fight. The Second Elder's eyes blazed with fury as he realized the implications—Dai Hengyu had turned against the family!
Suddenly, the Fourth Elder joined the fray, matching his skills against the gray-clad figure. Watching the two exchange blows, the Second Elder seethed inwardly, "Curse you, Fourth Elder. Are you really holding back?"
Sensing an opportunity, he prepared to charge Niu Gao and Yang Wudi once again, but just then, another figure shot into the sky.
Seeing the newcomer, the Second Elder's voice filled with outrage. "Ferdinand, does the Spirit Hall intend to meddle in our family's affairs?"
Ferdinand remained calm, patting his sizable belly with a smile. "Not at all, I'm not here on behalf of Spirit Hall. Look around, I'm all by myself, aren't I? But since Dai Yao is family, naturally, I have to lend a hand. Isn't that right?"
At Ferdinand's smooth words, the elder council seethed with anger.
"Spirit Hall will regret this!" Even the Third Elder, known for his calm temperament, spat his fury.
Ferdinand merely chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the threats. "Really, what's the point of all this violence?" he mused.
Seeing Ferdinand join the battle, Dai Yao nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Ferdinand. I will never forget this favor."
Ferdinand turned toward him, his expression one of exasperated concern. "Foolish boy, you've got time on your side—why be so hasty? Once you're stronger, these people won't be able to resist you."
Dai Yao smiled bitterly. He would have liked nothing more, but with his fragile ties to Spirit Hall nearing their end, this was likely his only chance to strike against Xingluo.
Just then, two more figures emerged from the palace, cloaked in gray like the shadow who had joined the fray. Each radiated the strength of a Soul Douluo, and though not at the peak of power, they represented the Emperor's hidden force, summoned only when necessary.
With Xingluo's dark enforcers now in the mix, Ferdinand was forced to take a more cautious stance, shifting his focus to meet the challenge.
Across the city, a murmur of concern spread.
"Looks like the Fourth Prince is going to lose."
"With no advantage on any front, what's he hoping to accomplish? The Emperor will crush him."
"He'd be wise to abandon his revenge and escape while he still can."
Xingluo City was abuzz with speculation, and few saw hope for Dai Yao's side.
Surveying the battlefield, the Emperor's smile grew smug as he locked eyes with Dai Yao. "Is this your idea of revenge?" he taunted. "What's the point? All I see is a fool rushing to his own death."
Dai Yao met his gaze, his lips twisting into a defiant smile. "Do you know why, despite knowing my forces are weaker, I've brought this fight to you?"
The Emperor narrowed his eyes. "Why?"
Dai Yao raised his soul power, his figure bathed in an intense aura as his soul rings began to emerge, one after another, each radiating immense power.
"Because it gives me the chance to kill you!" Dai Yao's voice echoed with fury as he released his final soul ring.
The entire sky turned blood red.
Every warrior, from the humblest soldier to the greatest Soul Douluo, stopped in their tracks, frozen by the sight of Dai Yao's crimson soul ring—a red so vibrant it seemed to bleed through the heavens.
For a moment, all of Xingluo stood in awe, staring at that impossible, blood-red ring, their faces painted with shock and disbelief.
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