Chapter 432: Departing for Sea God Island, Bai Chenxiang Follows
On Purple Pearl Island.
After Dai Yao left, the pirates carefully approached Purple Pearl. They nervously glanced in the direction he had departed, before one pirate cautiously stepped forward and asked her, "Captain, Sea God Island is no place for us. Should we leave Purple Pearl Island right away, so he won't be able to find us?"
"Fool!" Purple Pearl scolded, her brows furrowing. She looked out in the direction Dai Yao had left, her expression conflicted. His final words had clearly hinted at his identity—he was likely from Qinglian Sect or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Gritting her teeth, she tightened her violet lips and declared sharply, "Do you have any idea who that man is? He didn't even use a soul skill, yet he subdued our entire pirate crew. Angering him would mean our deaths! If he wants to go to Sea God Island, then we'll take him there!"
She paused, then commanded, "What are you all standing around for? Go! Get the Purple Pearl ready and set sail for Sea Mist City!"
The crew dispersed, rushing to prepare the ship. Once they'd gone, Purple Pearl turned to face the sea. The tall silhouette of her figure stood out against the sunset, her gaze fixed on the waves. The sea breeze tugged at her hair, and her eyes narrowed as a glint of confusion crossed her face.
Just moments ago, she had been the mighty captain of the Purple Pearl Pirate Crew, yet now, she was a servant to some man. The abrupt shift left her feeling unmoored.
"I'm the proud, free Purple Pearl—how could I become a man's servant? I'd rather die than yield to him!" she muttered defiantly. Yet as she spoke, the black markings on her neck glowed faintly. Her fiery resolve dulled, and the thought of fighting him somehow seemed...less appealing.
"Fine. His identity is powerful, his strength unmatched. If he senses my intentions, I'm sure none of us will survive. Besides, he intends to go to Sea God Island—once he's there, he won't be able to leave. I'll be free again."
She nodded to herself. "All I need to do is take him there. And we'll avoid attacking the Qinglian Sect and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's ships from now on. If we anger them, Sea Mist City will have no place for us."
As the sun sank beneath the waves, Purple Pearl gazed silently in the direction Dai Yao had left.
Three Days Later
Sea Mist City, on the Shore.
Numerous ships were docked along the harbor, though today was different—among them was the infamous Purple Pearl, a ship that made countless hearts tremble with fear. Curious onlookers gathered along the dock, pointing and murmuring at the sight.
"Captain, there are too many people around. Should we chase them off?" a pirate asked on the deck, frowning at the crowd.
Perched on the ship's railing, Purple Pearl looked down at the onlookers with disdain. She turned to the pirate and rebuked him angrily, "Idiot! This is Sea Mist City. We can't act recklessly here! We're only able to dock safely because of that man's name. The Sea Mist City elites are looking for any excuse to hunt us down, and you want to give them one?"
The pirate's face went pale, and the crew exchanged uneasy glances.
Purple Pearl's tone turned icy. "Our job is to wait for that man to board. Once we've delivered him to Sea God Island, we're free!"
Qinglian Sect, Sect Leader's Residence
A disciple from the Intelligence Department hurriedly arrived at the Sect Leader's residence and, after being granted entry, stepped inside.
In the grand hall, a blond man sat atop the throne, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's young master sat beside him. Hearing the disciple's footsteps, Dai Yao looked up from an ancient book he held, The Effects of Plant-Type Soul Beasts on Various Martial Souls.
His chiseled features wore a faint smile, his golden eyes exuding a noble warmth that, rather than imposing, gave off an approachable aura.
"Greetings, Sect Leader!" The disciple knelt respectfully, bowing low.
"At ease. What news do you have?" Dai Yao asked with a gentle smile.
"Reporting, Sect Leader! As per your instructions, I'm here to inform you that the Purple Pearl has docked at the port."
Dai Yao turned and exchanged a glance with Ning Rongrong. Smiling, he said, "Rongrong, let the others know—it's time for us to go."
She nodded with a small smile, leaving the hall to gather the others. Before long, Zhu Zhuqing and the other women arrived. Zhu Zhuqing asked, "Yao, are we departing?"
Dai Yao nodded, turning to Dugu Yan and Feng Wutong. "We're leaving now. Have all the arrangements for the sect been made?"
The two women exchanged glances. Dugu Yan was the first to respond, "The sect matters have been entrusted to Niu Ben, with assistance from several other department heads. Niu Ben is steady and won't make rash decisions, so he's well-suited to keeping things in order during our absence."
Dai Yao nodded in approval.
The majority of Qinglian Sect's members were from the three single-attribute clans, whose elders had close ties with the Haotian Sect. The younger generation, however, held less affection for Haotian. Now that life within Qinglian Sect was peaceful and prosperous, should any elder grow disloyal, the younger members would be sure to oppose them. Therefore, Dai Yao had entrusted them with enough power to counterbalance the influence of the senior ministers.
After Dugu Yan spoke, Feng Wutong added, "Young Master, I've put the Martial Department under Kongque's command, with Heron and Rhododendron to assist her. With them there, the Martial Department will be a pillar of stability within the sect."
The Martial Department, created after Dai Yao's return, was composed of the sect's most elite young members. These members did not engage in production; instead, they focused entirely on honing their skills. They were tasked with guarding and enforcing the sect's security and punishment measures. The Martial Department was thus the heart of Qinglian Sect's military strength.
Kongque, Heron, and Rhododendron were loyal to Dai Yao, having come from Spirit Hall. Placing them in charge of the Martial Department would ensure his intentions were upheld, maintaining stability in his absence.
"Excellent. These arrangements should keep Qinglian Sect standing strong amidst the continent's turmoil. With support from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, we'll emerge as one of the continent's greatest forces once we've completed our training on Sea God Island." Dai Yao smiled with satisfaction.
The women nodded, excitement in their eyes. They had helped build a powerful organization on the continent—a feat to be proud of.
"Then, let's go."
After confirming that each person's soul tool was stocked with adequate food and water, Dai Yao glanced at the sky, then turned to the others with a smile.
The women nodded, following him to the front entrance. But as Dai Yao opened the door, he found a group already assembled there—familiar faces, all gathered to see him off.
In the lead was Dai Hengyu, with Ning Fengzhi leaning on his jade staff beside him. Bone Douluo, his tall figure striking, stood at Ning Fengzhi's side. Behind them were Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Bai He, Lou Gao, and many younger disciples.
Standing apart from the group, leaning casually against the gate, was a green-clad figure. She looked up, her usually expressionless eyes betraying a trace of reluctance.
Dai Hengyu stepped forward, a hand on Dai Yao's shoulder. "Dai Yao, if the trials on Sea God Island are too dangerous, come back. There's no need to push yourself too hard, understand?"
Dai Yao felt warmth surge through him; since childhood, Uncle Hengyu had always shown him such genuine care. He didn't offer any reassurances—those would hardly lessen their worry. Instead, he simply smiled and said, "I understand, Uncle Hengyu."
At this point, Dai Hengyu held the high-ranking position of Vice Leader within Qinglian Sect. Dai Yao would never treat his family unjustly.
Once Dai Hengyu had offered his goodbyes, Ning Fengzhi, after exchanging a knowing glance with Ning Rongrong, leaned on his jade staff and approached Dai Yao, saying with a smile, "Dai Yao, safe travels. I'm already looking forward to seeing the man you'll be upon your return."
Dai Yao returned the smile and met Ning Fengzhi's gaze. "I hope you're prepared to be surprised when I come back."
"Haha, I'll be waiting for it!" Ning Fengzhi laughed.
Dai Yao then turned to face the gathered Qinglian Sect disciples, addressing them with a serious tone, "Everyone, farewell for now!"
The disciples, already aware that Dai Yao would be leaving for training, held immense respect for the Sect Leader. After witnessing his abilities on the Xingluo expedition, they no longer doubted him. As one, they shouted, "Safe travels, Sect Leader! May you return safely!"
Their united voices thundered across the sky, reverberating powerfully.
Just as Dai Yao was about to summon his martial soul and spread his wings to depart, Dugu Yan called out to him.
"Is something wrong, Yan Yan?" Dai Yao asked.
Without answering directly, Dugu Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze locking onto one figure among the younger disciples. Smiling faintly, she said, "Sister Chenxiang, didn't you want to grow stronger? Come with us. Training on Sea God Island will make your strength soar."
Everyone turned to look where she was staring. The one she had singled out was none other than Bai Chenxiang.
Bai He's expression darkened, and he moved to stand protectively in front of Bai Chenxiang, frowning. "Chenxiang, what's going on?"
He hadn't heard anything about Bai Chenxiang joining the Sea God Island trip. Bai Chenxiang was a talent of their Sensitive clan, with the potential to become a titled Douluo. The journey to Sea God Island, while full of opportunity, was perilous and could very well end in death. If Bai Chenxiang went with Dai Yao's party, her life would be entirely in their hands. If Dai Yao held any ulterior motives, Bai Chenxiang could be in serious trouble.
For that reason, Bai He had no intention of letting Bai Chenxiang go with them.
Bai Chenxiang's lips pressed together in a thin line. She glanced at Bai He, then at Dugu Yan, remembering the words Dugu Yan had spoken to her previously. Gritting her teeth and clenching her fists, she finally spoke with resolve, "Grandfather, I want to grow stronger. I must go to Sea God Island!"
At her words, Dugu Yan's charming face softened into a smile. Dai Yao, however, was somewhat taken aback—he hadn't planned on taking Bai Chenxiang along to Sea God Island. In the original story, Bai Chenxiang's journey to Sea God Island was largely orchestrated as a romantic subplot. In Dai Yao's view, she had no pivotal role in the training or in achieving godhood; she spent her life on Douluo Continent without ever reaching that peak.
Thus, Dai Yao had not considered taking Bai Chenxiang with them to Sea God Island.
Perplexed, Dai Yao gave Dugu Yan a questioning look, but she merely gestured subtly for him to stay silent. After all their years together, Dai Yao trusted Dugu Yan's instincts. Though he wasn't sure what she had in mind, he opted to stay quiet.
"Chenxiang! Sea God Island isn't a place for fun. You can't just—"
Bai He's voice was full of concern as he tried to persuade her to reconsider, but Dugu Yan interjected with a sweet, yet cunning, smile, "Elder Bai He, if Sister Chenxiang has dreams, shouldn't you, as her elder, support them? Why try to stand in her way? Or could it be that you think we're incapable of protecting her?"
"N-no, not at all!" Bai He stammered, waving his hands defensively. Dugu Yan's gentle smile had its own deadly edge. Known as the Jade Phosphor Douluo, Dugu Yan was famed for her ruthless decisiveness in the sect. Her allure only served to heighten the intimidation, and many disciples respected and feared her in equal measure.
"Deputy Leader, that's not what I meant," Bai He explained hurriedly. "It's just that Chenxiang is the most promising talent in the Sensitive clan. If anything were to happen to her, our clan's future would be in jeopardy. Please reconsider, Sect Leader."
Dai Yao exchanged a quick glance with Dugu Yan before replying calmly, "This isn't up to me to decide. If Chenxiang insists on coming, then I can't very well stop her."
With her grandfather so against it, Bai Chenxiang hesitated. Yet, she recalled Dugu Yan's words: there were countless talents in the world, and though her pride had been repeatedly bruised among the Qinglian disciples, she remained resolute. She wanted to prove she was just as strong as anyone else. She turned to Bai He and declared firmly, "Grandfather, please let me go to Sea God Island!"
Bai He looked like he wanted to argue further, but Yang Wudi and Niu Gao stepped forward, shaking their heads slightly. They seemed to understand the underlying reasons at play—this journey was more than just a training expedition; it was a subtle lesson for Bai He. Seeing this, Bai He let out a weary sigh. "Very well, Chenxiang, you may go. But once you're on Sea God Island, be careful and consult the Sect Leader about everything."
Bai Chenxiang's face lit up with excitement as she nodded.
With all matters settled, Dai Yao smiled. "Alright then, everyone, we've prepared for everything. It's time to say goodbye."
Everyone bid them farewell once more, and with a flash, Dai Yao's Holy White Tiger martial soul manifested, snow-white wings unfurling behind him. He looked over his shoulder at the four women with a smile and said, "Let's go."
In a burst of light, he soared toward the harbor, with the four women following closely behind. Bai Chenxiang summoned her martial soul, her spirit rings flickering as she took off after them, disappearing into the sky with the group.
Sea Mist City, the Harbor – Aboard the Purple Pearl
"We've been waiting forever! How much longer do we have to wait? This wretched Sea Mist City feels so suffocating!" A pirate grumbled on deck.
"Shut your trap, you fool!" Purple Pearl snapped, her sharp gaze silencing the pirate instantly. She leaned back against the mast, closing her eyes in frustration. "That bastard! Keeping us waiting like this—does he really think I'm his servant?"
She clenched her teeth in silent frustration. Just then, a familiar aura brushed over her senses, and she opened her eyes to see a black dot on the horizon. Within moments, the figure resolved itself, landing beside her on the deck.
One by one, the rest of Dai Yao's group arrived, each woman as breathtaking as the last. Even Bai Chenxiang, with her cute and delicate appearance, held a charm that rivaled Purple Pearl's own. She had always been proud of her beauty, but seeing these women left her feeling thoroughly outclassed. A possessive glint flashed in her eyes, and her thoughts turned momentarily to claiming these four as her own.
Realizing their likely connection to Dai Yao, she forced a sultry smile and cooed, "Master~ who are these lovely ladies?"
Dai Yao glanced at her coolly, easily guessing her intentions. He knew Purple Pearl's nature well; she hoped to sow discord between him and the others. His voice held a chill as he replied, "They're my wives. That's all you need to know. Now let's go—set course for Sea God Island."
Purple Pearl felt a shiver at his commanding tone and quickly gestured for a crew member to show Dai Yao and the others to their quarters. Watching her pirates gawk at the four beauties, she snapped, "What's wrong with you lot? Never seen a woman before? Stop staring like idiots and get moving! Set sail—next stop, Sea God Island!"
The pirates snapped out of their daze and hurried to their positions. With the sun setting over the horizon, the infamous Purple Pearl set sail. Under the watchful eyes of Sea Mist City's residents, it sailed off toward the open sea, disappearing into the endless waves as the sun dipped below the horizon.
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