Chapter 123: Divine-Grade Zhuque, The Fire Reaches the Emperor[Part 1]
Knock, knock, knock—
A knocking sound came from outside the small wooden cabin.
Three short knocks, one long.
Dai Yao, who was resting, slowly sat up. He immediately understood the message being conveyed, but the movement startled Zhu Zhuqing beside him.
"What's wrong?"
Zhu Zhuqing rubbed her sleepy eyes, looking puzzled.
Dai Yao chuckled and affectionately pulled Zhu Zhuqing's head into his embrace, smiling as he said, "A guest has arrived."
"A guest? What kind of guest?"
Dai Yao's gaze deepened as he murmured, "A guest from Star Luo."
At the Side Gate of Auckland Academy
A figure cloaked in black stood anxiously, shifting their gaze left and right with a hint of nervousness in their eyes.
The robe was loose, cinched at the waist with a silk belt, outlining an elegant and curvaceous figure. Beneath the hood's shadow, a pale complexion could be faintly seen.
One hand was tightly clutching her chest, brows occasionally furrowing as if she was enduring some pain.
Just then, a tall figure suddenly appeared before her.
Golden hair fluttered in the wind, sharp eyes gleamed with intelligence, and his well-proportioned muscles were concealed beneath the pristine white school uniform, giving him a refined and scholarly appearance.
Upon seeing this familiar figure, she endured the pain, slowly lowered her hood, and gently swayed her head, revealing a strikingly beautiful face.
Her phoenix-like eyes were captivating, her delicate nose was well-defined, and her slightly parted lips carried an air of noble elegance.
But what stood out the most was her high ponytail of deep crimson red.
"Dai Yao!"
She clasped her hands behind her back, her lips curving into a smile as she softly called out his name.
For three years, she had longed for this figure—so familiar, yet now somewhat distant.
Though he had changed significantly—once a small nine-year-old boy, now much taller, his features more mature—there was something about him that remained unchanged. The feeling in her heart was still the same.
Dai Yao turned toward the voice and was taken aback. He saw a young woman, now fully grown, her figure graceful and alluring, exuding an air of heroic spirit.
His heart stirred as he called her name:
"Wutong."
Feng Wutong skipped forward, as if all her pain had vanished in an instant.
She stopped beside him, stretched out her hand, and placed it on top of her own head, then extended it horizontally. Yet, to her dismay, it only reached Dai Yao's forehead.
Pouting, she grumbled, "It's been three years, and I only reach your forehead now."
Dai Yao smiled faintly. "You've become even more beautiful. And your figure... well, it's even better now."
Feng Wutong let out a soft snort, her cheeks flushing slightly.
For some reason, back at the Star Luo Royal Academy, whenever other men complimented her beauty, it would only make her feel disgusted. But with the man in front of her, even though he was clearly teasing, she felt nothing but joy.
Especially when she noticed his gaze lingering on her chest—she even subtly straightened her back, making it stand out more.
As the two conversed, the awkwardness of their three-year separation gradually faded away.
Suddenly, Feng Wutong remembered something and asked, "Dai Yao, why did I have to hide my identity, wear this black robe, and sneak in at night?"
Dai Yao paused for a moment, then smirked mysteriously. "You'll find out soon enough."
"Come with me first. Let's go to my place."
Feng Wutong followed Dai Yao into Auckland Academy.
Everything around her piqued her curiosity—after all, this was the place where Dai Yao had spent the past three years.
Seeing her looking around inquisitively, Dai Yao patiently explained everything to her, from the buildings to the gardens, detailing every little aspect of the academy.
However, when they passed by the Academy's Hall of Fame, Dai Yao's expression darkened.
Feng Wutong, on the other hand, found it fascinating. When she saw Dai Yao's portrait among the honored figures, she excitedly grabbed his hand and exclaimed, "Look, look! It's you!"
Dai Yao glanced at her, seeing how intently she stared at his portrait, her eyes practically glowing. His heart wavered.
Just then, a few young men who had just finished their late-night snack passed by.
Upon seeing Dai Yao, their faces lit up with excitement and admiration.
"Senior Dai Yao! Greetings!"
"Senior Dai Yao, are you here for a late-night snack too?"
"No, I'm not."
Dai Yao shook his head.
One of the young men, clearly exhilarated, said enthusiastically, "Senior Dai Yao, you are our idol! We will strive to follow in your footsteps!"
Dai Yao, however, felt a sense of melancholy. He forced a smile, exchanged a few words with them, then took his leave.
No matter how hard these students tried, with their talent, they would never reach his level. Even becoming a Soul Emperor would be a challenge.
Such was the fate of commoner soul masters.
Watching the admiration in their eyes, Feng Wutong's gaze sparkled. She playfully patted Dai Yao on the shoulder and said excitedly, "You're really living the good life here. We've barely walked a bit, and you've already been recognized by so many people."
Dai Yao chuckled, "I'm quite famous in Auckland, you know."
Three years ago, under the watchful eyes of thousands, he had single-handedly defeated the Heaven Dou Royal Academy battle team. That moment of invincibility had cemented his reputation in Auckland Academy.
Although he hadn't fought much in the past three years, the academy's strong students were all too familiar with him. Even a simple glance from him would make them concede defeat.
Thus, his undefeated legend had spread far and wide across Auckland Academy.
Especially because of his millennium-year second soul ring, which was revered by all.
"Let's go."
Dai Yao raised his head and signaled for her to follow.
Before long, Feng Wutong arrived at Dai Yao's training grounds.
Looking at the cascading waterfall before her, listening to the thunderous roar of water, she turned to him in surprise.
"This place is...?"
"I specifically chose a mimicry training environment similar to the one at Star Luo Royal Academy. What do you think? Not bad, right?"
Dai Yao pointed at the waterfall with excitement.
Feng Wutong's eyes gleamed with an indescribable light. Though she was in an unfamiliar place, the presence of familiar people and familiar scenery made her feel at ease.
"Let's go see Zhuqing."
As soon as Dai Yao spoke, a cold yet elegant figure appeared beside the small wooden house.
When she saw Feng Wutong, a look of surprise and joy flashed across her face.
She rushed forward, and the two women embraced each other in excitement.
It was Zhu Zhuqing.
Behind them, the ancient waterfall continued to crash against the rocks, its sound like rolling thunder. The two women held each other tightly, as if nothing had changed from three years ago.
Suddenly, Feng Wutong's body lost strength, and she collapsed downward.
Zhu Zhuqing reacted quickly, catching her in time, her face filled with concern.
Dai Yao immediately stepped forward, his voice filled with worry. "What's wrong?"
Feng Wutong clutched her chest, took a deep breath, and her pale complexion slightly improved. "I'm fine."
Then, Zhu Zhuqing's expression changed as she suddenly realized something. "Don't tell me... you've been enduring the eruption of your Heartfire all this way to the Heaven Dou Empire?!"
Heartfire was a side effect of Feng Wutong's martial soul, only relieved by soaking in hot springs.
But from Star Luo Empire to Heaven Dou Empire, there were no hot springs along the way.
Which meant—she had been enduring its torment the entire journey.
Dai Yao's pupils shrank. He immediately said, "Wutong, you know why I called you here, don't you?"
Feng Wutong nodded, sweat forming on her forehead as she endured the pain.
"You said... you could cure the side effects of my martial soul."
(End of Chapter)
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