Chapter 96: Sword Qi Sweeps Three Thousand Miles
In Oakland Academy, the arrival of Bishop Salas sent shockwaves through the academy.
Led by Zhu Zhuqing, Salas was brought to Dai Yao's usual training spot. Scanning the area with a frown, he remarked, "Is this where Dai Yao trains? It doesn't seem entirely suited to his spirit."
Zhu Zhuqing gestured to the waterfall nearby and explained, "Dai Yao always trains beneath the waterfall. Being surrounded by the forest aligns well with his spirit."
"Training under a waterfall?" Salas's eyes sparkled with a hint of admiration as he considered it. "An impressive method. Sitting under a waterfall, resisting its force, not only helps build resilience against pressure from spirit masters with higher spirit power, but it also condenses his own spirit power."
He was genuinely impressed. Hearing Zhu Zhuqing mention that Dai Yao had trained this way for over three years made Salas even more fond of him. Dai Yao wasn't just talented; he was incredibly hardworking. With time, this boy was sure to achieve greatness.
Determined to find him, Salas composed himself and focused on gathering clues. He ascended to get an aerial view, scanning for irregularities, and then directed his search team to investigate any suspicious areas.
After an hour of fruitless searching, Zhu Zhuqing, visibly distressed, asked, "Any sign of him yet?"
Salas, equally worried after extensive searching with no results, tried to keep his composure and reassured her, "Don't worry; the Spirit Hall will ensure Dai Yao returns safely."
At that moment, a sharp, piercing sound echoed through the air. A silver arc of energy streaked across the sky, landing before Salas with a blinding gleam of sword energy. As the dust settled, Salas's gaze darkened as he spoke in a low voice, "Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin."
"Curse that Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—they've come sniffing around again!"
Ning Fengzhi greeted him with a warm smile, as comforting as winter sunlight. "It's been a few days, Bishop Salas."
With a smile concealing his frustration, Salas greeted him as if they were old friends. "Sect Master Ning, as graceful as always."
After exchanging pleasantries, he respectfully inclined his head and acknowledged the second arrival. "Greetings, Sword Douluo."
Chen Xin, however, only gave him a cold glance, a curt "Mm," and said nothing more. Despite Salas's rank as a Platinum Bishop, he had to lower his head before Title Douluo, especially a powerhouse like Chen Xin, a Super Douluo at level ninety-six.
Salas then asked Ning Fengzhi, "I wonder what brings Sect Master Ning to Oakland Academy?"
"Word reached me of Dai Yao's disappearance, so I came to investigate," Ning Fengzhi replied with a friendly smile.
While the two conversed, Chen Xin closed his eyes, a wave of energy emanating from him, rippling out in waves. The gusts of energy were so intense that many nearby could barely keep their eyes open; only those at Spirit Saint rank or higher could remain unaffected.
Chen Xin opened his eyes with a faint "Hmm" and vanished.
Roughly a hundred meters away, he floated beside a tree, focusing his spirit power along a branch. Gradually, a pair of dark, charred footprints appeared. The black marks were not dust—they were signs of corrosion.
Chen Xin's gaze fixed on the footprints, his lips curling slightly with understanding. "Fengzhi, let's go."
Hearing Chen Xin's call, Ning Fengzhi brightened, understanding that Sword Douluo had identified a lead and knew who was responsible for Dai Yao's abduction. There was no time to waste; they had to save him immediately.
Salas gritted his teeth in frustration. He had brought an entire team to search without success, but the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan found a clue within moments of arriving. This only underscored the difference in skill, further intensifying Salas's resentment.
He reluctantly followed Ning Fengzhi to the tree and saw the blackened footprints. His eyes narrowed as he muttered, "So, it was Dugu Bo. Daring to lay hands on someone from the Spirit Hall—he's got some nerve."
"Once Douluo Chrysanthemum arrives in Heaven Dou, you'll pay dearly for this!" he cursed internally.
"Come, Fengzhi." Chen Xin stood upon his sword and gestured to Ning Fengzhi. As Ning Fengzhi stepped onto the ancient blade, they transformed into a streak of silver, slicing through the sky.
As they ascended, an endless stream of sword energy gathered around them, forming countless sword projections. Clanging harmoniously, these blades radiated an overwhelming aura of slaughter, stretching across the heavens for miles like a vast dragon of sword energy.
The spectacle stunned countless residents of the Heaven Dou imperial city below, many gazing up in astonishment at the massive sword aura above them.
"That's…!"
"It's Sword Douluo!" gasped those knowledgeable enough to recognize the phenomenon.
"Who could have provoked Sword Douluo like this?"
The departure of Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi left Salas both anxious and furious. After a few words of comfort for Zhu Zhuqing, he signaled to a man in a golden robe beside him.
The man immediately called forth his spirit, and eight spirit rings appeared, emanating immense pressure. Even though he held back, those nearby could barely withstand the force, forced to bow under the strain.
The seventh black spirit ring flared, and with the radiance of his spirit power, the golden-robed man transformed into a massive, imposing eagle. Salas promptly climbed onto its back, offering Zhu Zhuqing one final reassurance.
"Don't worry. The Spirit Hall will bring Dai Yao back."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded firmly, though visibly exhausted.
With a powerful sweep of its wings, the golden eagle kicked up a powerful gale, shaking nearby trees and grasses. Its piercing cry filled the sky as it soared upward, following the path Sword Douluo had taken.
As the fierce winds buffeted him, Salas clenched his jaw, grumbling internally, Curse that Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! If you interfere with the Spirit Hall's business, you'll regret it!
The Pope has planned this for years, and soon your so-called second-greatest sect in the world will be nothing but a memory.
And as for you, Dugu Bo, he thought coldly, your days are numbered too.
A sharp, dangerous glint flickered in Salas's eyes.
(End of Chapter)