Chapter 430: Maid Captain, Purple Pearl
"When are you planning to head to Sea God Island, Dai Yao?" asked Ning Fengzhi, leaning on his jade staff with a kind smile after chatting briefly with Dai Yao and his daughter.
Dai Yao considered for a moment before responding, "Since we've just been married, I'd like to stay a few more days. Once all the guests have left, I'll set out for Sea God Island."
Ning Fengzhi nodded approvingly, glancing at Ning Rongrong with some concern. "Dai Yao, remember, Rongrong is an auxiliary spirit master with little ability to protect herself when apart from you. Sea God Island is different from the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect—it's on foreign soil. Make sure you protect her well."
Dai Yao gave a firm nod. "Don't worry, Father-in-law. Rongrong is my wife, and I'll keep her safe. Anyone who tries to harm her will have to go through me first."
Hearing his promise, Ning Rongrong's face brightened with a sweet smile as she held onto Dai Yao's arm tightly. Ning Fengzhi chuckled at her reaction, saying, "Good. Hearing you say that puts me at ease. You two are newlyweds, so spend these days together."
Dai Yao expressed his thanks once more, and as Ning Fengzhi left, Ning Rongrong clung to Dai Yao's arm, leaning almost her entire weight on him. Though she was a spirit master, she was still a woman, and the soreness between her legs reminded her of last night. With no one else around, she tentatively slipped her hand beneath his shirt, her fingers brushing over his firm eight-pack abs, savoring the warmth.
Her eyes softened as she murmured, "Dai Yao, wouldn't it be nice to stay here in Hanhai City, growing stronger over time? Why do we have to go to Sea God Island?"
As her hand wandered, Dai Yao caught it with a smile. "Staying in Hanhai City would be easy and comfortable. But we'd lack the most critical thing in our training journey—pressure. The continent's situation is complex. To protect you all, I need to keep growing, turning potential into true strength. And Sea God Island will give us that."
While the idea of staying in Hanhai City was tempting, Dai Yao couldn't ignore the changes in the original storyline, nor the threat posed by spirit beast forces lurking in the shadows. As Bibidong and Qian Renxue neared godhood, he knew he needed enough power to face them, no matter how they ultimately treated him.
And although Tang San was busy with his duties as the Tiandou Empire's regent, as the story's protagonist, Dai Yao couldn't afford to be complacent. There could always be some divine figure who might decide to bestow Tang San with godly powers. For now, inheriting the Sea God's position seemed like Dai Yao's best option. With his secondary martial spirit, the Dark Devilgod Tiger, he could even secure another godly inheritance in the future.
Ning Rongrong listened with wide eyes, not fully understanding but trusting Dai Yao's decision. With a laugh, he scooped her up, saying, "You're still a bit sore, aren't you? Once we see Uncle Hengyu, you should rest."
As they arrived at Dai Hengyu's residence, they found Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong waiting for them. Seeing Ning Rongrong nestled in Dai Yao's arms, the three women exchanged knowing smiles. After paying respects to Dai Hengyu, the group returned to the main hall, where Dugu Yan immediately teased, "So, Rongrong, how was last night? Did Dai Yao take good care of you?"
Caught off guard, Ning Rongrong buried her head in Dai Yao's chest, her cheeks flushed. How could she discuss such private matters in front of everyone?
Seeing her reaction, Dugu Yan laughed. "Looks like you had a good night, huh? Enjoy it while you can. Soon enough, you'll be talking about this stuff with us openly."
Her remark left Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong blushing slightly, as they, too, had their share of experience with Dai Yao.
Feeling Ning Rongrong's warm cheek against his chest, Dai Yao sighed, "Yan Yan, please don't lead Rongrong astray."
Dugu Yan scoffed, "Me, lead her astray? If anything, you're the one with the wandering eyes. Soon enough, you'll want to have all of us together with you..."
Before she could finish, Dai Yao waved his hands, laughing awkwardly as he interrupted her. "Alright, alright, let's change the subject. Speaking of which, how did the preparations go with the matter I entrusted to you?"
Dugu Yan smiled slyly, seeming content to let it go. "The Longyuan vessel has been acquired, just as you requested. But I've heard that Sea God Island is incredibly remote, and without someone to guide us, it's practically unreachable. None of the fishermen wanted to take the job, even with a generous offer."
"So, Dai Yao, how are we supposed to get there?"
Thanks to the Qinglian Sect's influence, the famed Longyuan ship, which Tang San had acquired in the original story, was now in their possession. The Hanhai auction house had been eager to please and even offered the ship free of charge, seeking goodwill from the Qinglian Sect. Of course, Dugu Yan insisted on paying for the ship.
Hearing Dugu Yan's question, Dai Yao replied with a faint smile. "Sea God Island is indeed remote and is even considered cursed. But it's not completely isolated. Some people actually come from there. Through them, we'll be able to reach the island."
"Oh? And who might they be?" asked Dugu Yan, intrigued.
Dai Yao's voice lowered, "The Purple Pearl Pirates."
"Purple Pearl Pirates?" Ning Rongrong's brows knit together at the mention.
"What's wrong, Rongrong?" Dai Yao asked, tilting his head.
"They're well-known in the waters near Hanhai City, and while the people hold them in high regard, they've often plundered merchant ships belonging to the Qinglian Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, causing us heavy losses."
She added, "Since we're new here, we've avoided confronting them to maintain our reputation in Hanhai City. Plus, with their policy of robbing the rich to give to the poor, we chose not to retaliate. But I had no idea they could help us reach Sea God Island."
Dai Yao's gaze turned thoughtful. "Understood."
A lone figure streaked over the tranquil sea, creating powerful ripples as he sliced through the air, leaving the waves churning in his wake. It was Dai Yao, heading for the notorious Purple Pearl Pirates.
"I'll handle the Purple Pearl Pirates myself," he murmured.
A voice filled with dark mischief echoed in Dai Yao's mind.
"What's this? Are you actually interested in the Purple Pearl Pirates?" Dai Yao's piercing gaze fixed on the ocean ahead as he replied coolly, his golden hair blowing in the wind.
"Indeed, I am interested. Don't worry—I remember our agreement not to take unnecessary lives. But I do have my eye on Purple Pearl herself. You know, on this continent, you seem to claim almost every other desirable woman. And me? I only have Yin'er."
"Besides, you've got quite a few alluring maids around you already," the voice continued with a smirk. "While Purple Pearl's power isn't remarkable, her spirit is exactly to my liking. She could serve as one of my own maids. She'd help guide you to Sea God Island and would stop raiding Qinglian Sect ships. What do you think?"
Dai Yao's gaze flickered. The Purple Pearl Pirates were, after all, a nuisance to the sect's interests. Although he had no personal grudge against Purple Pearl, any threat to his sect's business had to be dealt with.
But as for making her another servant of his darker side… was that going too far?
Yet he brushed aside his own doubts. As sect master, he had to consider the sect's well-being, not any misplaced concern for a band of pirates. He needed a way to Sea God Island, and the pirates' interference had to end.
With that resolve, he let his wings shift, dark feathers emerging from his back. His hair deepened to jet black, and the golden hue of his eyes faded into an ominous inkiness. Smirking, he launched himself toward the pirate's island.
Purple Pearl Island
Dozens of ships were docked at the island's shores. Pirates were unloading their loot, some slinging heavy crates over their shoulders, while others laughed and shouted, celebrating another successful raid.
Suddenly, a sharp sound cut through the air, approaching with unnerving speed. The pirates looked up, startled, as a shadowy figure appeared in the sky above them. With the force of his presence, a powerful wind pressed down, making it hard for them to lift their heads.
"So, this is Purple Pearl Island? Where is Purple Pearl?" Dai Yao's indifferent voice rang out as he crossed his arms and looked down at the island.
His words echoed in the air like thunder, rolling across the sky.
"Who the hell are you? This is Purple Pearl's territory! Get down here if you dare!"
"Looking for the captain, are you? Who do you think you are?"
Feeling bolstered by their numbers, the pirates shouted up at him defiantly. One older pirate, however, squinted at Dai Yao with apprehension, sensing the deadly aura in the air. Waving for his men to be quiet, he looked up and addressed Dai Yao respectfully.
"Honored guest, forgive us for not recognizing you. If I may, could you tell us why you're seeking our captain? I'll inform her at once."
Dai Yao cast a dismissive glance at the elder and then at the group of pirates. The scent of blood clung to them, making it clear they were hardened killers. No matter what they claimed to stand for, pirates were outlaws who couldn't survive on land and were forced to roam the seas.
He recalled how, in the original story, when Tang San nearly died in a confrontation with the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, the pirates were deeply suspicious of outsiders. Purple Pearl's crew allowed no one unfamiliar to join them, revealing the group's exclusivity. While they occasionally robbed the rich and aided the poor, they were still dangerous outlaws.
"You don't need to know who I am," Dai Yao said icily. "I'll give you ten seconds. If Purple Pearl doesn't appear, I'll kill one of you."
The casual tone of his threat, as though he were speaking of swatting a fly, sent the pirates into a frenzy. Hundreds of spirit rings flared to life as they summoned their abilities, ready to tear him apart.
Just then, a sharp voice rang out.
"I'd like to see who dares kill my pirates on my island!"
A figure sprinted toward the shore, her tone filled with unrestrained defiance. As she arrived, the woman's appearance became clear.
The woman looked to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a tall, toned physique and strikingly beautiful features. She had a high nose bridge, large eyes, and a mane of purple hair cropped short and neat, giving her an air of fierce determination. This was none other than Purple Pearl, leader of the Purple Pearl Pirates.
Casting a quick glance over her crew, she sneered, "What a bunch of cowards! Letting an enemy come all the way to our doorstep without putting up a fight—how pathetic!"
Turning to Dai Yao, she paused briefly, taken aback by his appearance. With his dark hair flowing and his expression severe, he looked strikingly handsome, though a hint of sinister energy lurked around him. But Purple Pearl was hardly one to be charmed easily; after only a second's pause, she scoffed, "You've got guts to come here spouting nonsense on my island. State your business, or I'll cut you up and feed you to the sharks!"
Amused by her bluntness, Dai Yao chuckled. She was like an unbroken wild stallion, which only made taming her sound all the more interesting.
After appraising her for a moment, he gave her a wicked smile. "I'm here for one reason: I want you, Purple Pearl, to serve as my maid."
"What did you say?" The pirates erupted in outrage, their faces contorted with fury. Purple Pearl was their revered captain, and this intruder dared to demand she serve as a mere maid. Spirit energy crackled in the air as they prepared to launch their attacks.
"Hold it!" Purple Pearl shouted, silencing them with a glare. She turned back to Dai Yao, her tone icy. "Well, well, I've never met anyone as arrogant as you. If I don't tear you apart today, I'm not fit to be called Purple Pearl!"
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