Chapter 435: First Steps on Seagod Island
Tianshui Academy
Under Lan Hao's directive, Tianshui Academy had been moved to Heaven Dou City, where it joined the other elemental academies—Blazing Fire, Thunder, and Divine Wind—to form the Four Elements Academy. Each of the four schools, however, remained distinct within this alliance.
Tianshui Academy, known for its all-female student body, attracted much attention due to its beautiful students, making them quite popular among the male students from the other academies. While some young women found good matches, others found the attention burdensome, leading Tianshui to keep a respectful distance from the other three academies.
Today, however, Tianshui received an unexpected visitor.
"Binger, someone's here to see you," Shui Ruoshui announced, glancing curiously at the woman standing behind her.
This woman was beautiful, rivaling Shui Binger herself, with shoulder-length silver hair, a long silver gown, and a gentle expression that was marred only by her quiet reserve. Beside her stood a man, acting almost like a guard, who spoke more than she did. This visitor was none other than Ye LingLin, possessor of the Nine-Hearted Begonia Spirit.
Having once trained against Tianshui's students in exchanges at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ye LingLin had left a strong impression on Tianshui students. Such a powerful martial spirit, passed down in a single lineage, was truly rare.
"Ruoshui, what's going on?" Shui Binger asked as she emerged from her room. She gave the woman standing beside Shui Ruoshui a closer look and blinked in surprise. "You're… Ye LingLin?"
Ye LingLin nodded.
Shui Ruoshui smiled, saying, "It's not me who's here to see you, Binger. Miss Ye has come for you. I'll leave you two to chat."
Once Shui Ruoshui left, Shui Binger cast a puzzled glance at Ye LingLin. "Miss Ye, it's been a while since we last met. I hadn't heard much of you after you graduated from Heaven Dou Academy. To what do I owe the pleasure today?"
Instead of responding right away, Ye LingLin gestured for the man beside her to step back, then studied Shui Binger with a strange look that made her uncomfortable.
"Miss Ye, why are you looking at me like that?" Shui Binger asked, feeling slightly unsettled.
Ye LingLin raised her eyes to meet Shui Binger's gaze, her expression even more enigmatic. With a slight twist of her hand, she summoned a letter with a faint glow of spirit power.
"Actually, someone asked me to deliver this letter to you and Xuewu. He wanted to convey his apologies to you both, as he's left the continent to train in a harsh land and can't fulfill his promise for now," Ye LingLin explained softly. "He said that when he returns, he will make good on his word."
After attending Dai Yao's wedding, Dugu Yan had invited Ye LingLin to leave Heaven Dou Empire and join her in Hanhai City at the Qinglian Sect. Before their departure, Dai Yao had asked Ye LingLin to help him with a request—to deliver a letter to Shui Binger and Xuewu at Tianshui Academy.
Ye LingLin couldn't help but wonder how Dai Yao knew Shui Binger and Xuewu and what sort of relationship they shared. She marveled at Dai Yao's endless charm; not only had he recently married four stunning women, but now it seemed that he had also entangled himself with Tianshui Academy's top students.
Hearing Ye LingLin's words, Shui Binger's hands trembled as she stared at the letter, her breath quickening.
Back when she returned to Tianshui Academy, her family was furious upon learning about the loss of her purity. Her parents had demanded to know the identity of the man responsible, but Shui Binger and Xuewu had stubbornly kept silent under pressure, until their parents reluctantly let the matter drop.
But when news of Dai Yao's wedding reached Heaven Dou City, it had hit them like a thunderbolt. They had given Dai Yao their innocence in the Star Dou Forest, yet hadn't even earned a place by his side.
The heartbreak and resentment gnawed at their hearts.
Xuewu had locked herself in her room for days, refusing to see anyone. Meanwhile, Shui Binger, who prided herself on her independence, had found herself struggling with the unexpected pangs of longing. Though she understood Dai Yao's circumstances—how their encounter had been an accident—she couldn't help but harbor some resentment.
Had Dai Yao forgotten about them?
Now, knowing Dai Yao had sent a message for her, Shui Binger felt a weight lift from her heart. She was relieved, almost euphoric, realizing just how much she feared being abandoned by him.
She accepted the letter with trembling hands, saying, "Thank you."
Ye LingLin observed Shui Binger's reaction, confirming her suspicions about Dai Yao's connection with both Shui Binger and Xuewu. She couldn't help but gasp inwardly, feeling as if she'd stumbled upon a well-kept secret—both of Tianshui's prodigies were in love with Dai Yao.
This was different from his four wives, who shared a deep emotional connection with Dai Yao and had chosen to accept each other. Shui Binger and Xuewu, however, seemed content to wait for Dai Yao without even a formal commitment. Was Dai Yao's charm truly that compelling?
If Dai Yao hadn't already left Qinglian Sect, Ye LingLin would have been hesitant to go there herself. Otherwise, she might risk ending up just like Shui Binger and Xuewu…
Taking a deep breath, Ye LingLin said, "Miss Shui Binger, I've done what I came to do. I'll be leaving Heaven Dou City tomorrow to return to Qinglian Sect. If you're interested, please feel free to come with me. The continent's tension is mounting, and war could break out at any time. If you choose not to leave, I urge you to prepare. Otherwise, he'll be left worrying about you again."
Shui Binger clutched the letter tightly, forcing a smile. "I'll stay here at the academy. I have too many loved ones to leave. Please tell him that I'll protect myself and Xuewu and that he doesn't need to worry."
Nodding, Ye LingLin turned to leave, her escort following closely. The man was actually a member of the Qinglian Sect, tasked with ensuring her safe return.
Dai Yao had chosen Ye LingLin for this errand largely out of necessity. Oakland Academy, due to his involvement, was under close watch by Tang San, making it risky to involve them. Qinglian Sect and Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had largely withdrawn from Heaven Dou City, and the few remaining covert spirit masters were on crucial assignments. Dai Yao wouldn't put their missions at risk for his personal matters.
After Ye LingLin left, Shui Binger headed to Xuewu's room instead of her own.
Not long after, inside Xuewu's room, Shui Binger watched her friend, who clutched the letter with shaking hands, her face bright with emotion, as if her recent heartbreak had been nothing but an illusion. Shui Binger sighed—Xuewu was utterly love-struck. Still, she was relieved to see Xuewu returning to her usual self rather than wasting away.
Seeing Xuewu's grip on the letter, Shui Binger couldn't help feeling a pang of envy; she hadn't read it yet.
At Sea
Several days later, a dark speck appeared on the horizon. Standing at the ship's bow, Purple Pearl spotted it and immediately ordered the crew to halt. Turning to Dai Yao, she reported, "Master, we've arrived at Seagod Island. But we can't go any closer, or we'll risk provoking the island's guardian spirit beast—the legendary hundred-thousand-year Demon Spirit Great White Shark."
Dai Yao gazed toward the distant island and nodded.
Over the past days of sailing, Purple Pearl had shared valuable insights about navigating the seas, the territories of various spirit beasts, and the three legendary hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts of the ocean. Although Dai Yao had known some of it, hearing it firsthand from Purple Pearl revealed just how much he still had to learn about oceanic spirit beasts.
Dai Yao had carefully memorized the navigation routes, allowing him to return to Seagod Island independently if necessary.
"Alright, take me as far as here and give me a small boat to go the rest of the way," Dai Yao instructed.
Relieved, Purple Pearl quickly ordered the crew to lower a lifeboat. She had been apprehensive that Dai Yao might insist they sail closer to Seagod Island, risking the deadly attacks of the Demon Spirit Great White Shark pack. With a flattering smile, she replied, "Master, the boat is ready."
Dai Yao nodded in satisfaction. Glancing back, he saw his four companions leaning on the railings, gazing at the sea view as if they hadn't spent days doing the same. Smiling, he turned to Feng Wutong and said, "Wutong, let them know we're heading to the small boat for Seagod Island."
Feng Wutong gave Purple Pearl a brief, piercing look before nodding and going to gather Zhu Zhuqing and the others.
Soon enough, the four women joined Dai Yao, and Ning Rongrong voiced her concern, "Brother Yao, I heard from Sister Purple Pearl that Seagod Island is guarded by powerful spirit beasts. How are we supposed to get past them?"
Looking around at the pirates, Dai Yao didn't want to reveal his plan with the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud openly, so he simply smiled and said, "I have a plan—just follow me."
"Thank you for all your help, Sister Purple Pearl!" Ning Rongrong said cheerfully, with Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan nodding in agreement. Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan jumped gracefully into the lifeboat, followed by Bai Chenxiang, while Feng Wutong lifted Ning Rongrong, unfolding her fiery red wings as they descended onto the boat.
Glancing one last time at the pirates, and at Purple Pearl, who seemed eager to be rid of him, Dai Yao couldn't help but chuckle. "Take care."
Purple Pearl's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly replied, "Safe travels, Master. The habits of the Demon Spirit Great White Shark are hard to predict, but we do know they're less active at night. If you want to approach Seagod Island, nighttime is your best option."
Dai Yao cast a surprised look at Purple Pearl, appreciating the sincere advice. After bidding her farewell, he leaped down into the lifeboat.
Once he disappeared from the deck, the pirates' tense faces relaxed. They had been on edge the entire time Dai Yao was aboard the ship, barely daring to breathe. Purple Pearl's expression darkened, and she snapped, "What are you grinning about? This bastard's finally gone! Get back to your posts, and set sail—now!"
Instantly, the crew sprang into action, and the massive ship sped off as fast as it could.
In the small boat, Ning Rongrong covered her mouth to hide her laughter as she watched Purple Pearl's ship race off. "Looks like they're really afraid of you, Brother Yao. What did you do to scare them so much?"
Dugu Yan gave a soft humph, casting a knowing look at Dai Yao. "Who knows what this man's been up to behind our backs. He might even have a few 'sisters' we don't know about… Anyway, do we really have to wait until nightfall?"
Dai Yao broke out in a cold sweat. So far, only Dugu Yan knew about his encounters with Shui Binger and Xuewu, but it seemed all four women had their suspicions and simply chose not to confront him. Hastily, he summoned the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, and the shroud expanded around them, much to the astonishment of his companions.
"This is my true method for reaching Seagod Island," Dai Yao explained.
As the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud submerged, creating an air bubble that kept the water at bay, the group marveled at the sights around them. After a moment, Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled, sensing its power. "This is an incredible treasure! I've never felt anything this rare before. Brother Yao, where did you find it?"
Her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda allowed her to sense treasures with great precision, and suddenly, she gasped, as if putting the pieces together. "Wait, could this be the legendary Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the Sea's National Treasure of the Heaven Dou Empire? How did you get it?"
Dai Yao hesitated, then nodded.
Dugu Yan crossed her arms, raising a brow with a playful smirk. "I'm guessing it came from a certain woman…"
With her access to Qinglian Sect intelligence, Dugu Yan was well aware that during Dai Yao's time on the run, he had been accompanied by a certain individual. Given the time they spent together, it wouldn't be surprising if the woman with the Angel Spirit had developed feelings for Dai Yao—why else would she give him such a precious artifact?
Dai Yao awkwardly rubbed at non-existent sweat, then, after a pause, admitted, "Yes, Rongrong, it was given to me by Xue Qinghe. But after returning to Spirit Hall, we haven't really been in contact."
Dugu Yan was surprised by his honesty but chose to say nothing more. She was a smart woman who knew she had enough by being with Dai Yao and understood the need to balance things. Her pointed remarks were a reminder to him that they had their own feelings and that they'd expect honesty if he were to bring someone else into their circle.
Seeing Dai Yao's candid response, Ning Rongrong's brief surprise turned into a gentle smile. His transparency showed respect for their feelings, although it was clear that his relationship with that other woman had its own story.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled softly, and Feng Wutong's lips curved slightly as her eyes sparkled. Bai Chenxiang, on the other hand, remained clueless, feeling out of place as if a mysterious energy united the five others, excluding her.
With that, Dai Yao set their course, guiding the group through the waters toward Seagod Island, using the shroud as a shield. They watched the undersea world with fascination—sunken ships, rare fish, and the formidable Demon Spirit Great White Shark.
As they neared the shore, the ocean floor began to rise, and soon they were able to step onto the island itself.
Relieved to be on solid ground, the group stretched and relaxed, grateful to leave the rocking boat behind. After so many days at sea, stepping onto land felt like a joyous reunion with an old friend.
All around them, the island teemed with life, vibrant with lush greenery and flowers. The air was fresh and cool, with only a faint hint of sea salt on the breeze. Gazing back at the ocean, they saw waves lapping at the shore, the white foam trailing over the sand and then slipping away.
"It's so beautiful," Ning Rongrong murmured, entranced by the scene.
Dugu Yan took in the scenery, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as she remarked, "It is beautiful. But we've got more pressing matters—figuring out how to join Seagod Island won't be easy."
Dai Yao chuckled, "No need to worry. They're already here."
At that moment, several figures emerged from the nearby forest, their wary eyes locked on Dai Yao's group. They wore peculiar outfits, most of them dressed in yellow, though the leader stood out in purple.
"Who are you?" the leader demanded coldly.
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