Douluo Dalu: The Abandoned Child

The next morning, the sunlight filtered through the large windows of the academy, signaling the start of a day filled with significant discussions. We all gathered in the main hall, a space that seemed to grow heavier with the weight of the matters to be addressed. Dugu Xin had entrusted Dugu Yan to a nanny, ensuring the child was safe and distracted while we talked.

Liu Erlong was the first to speak, her fiery temperament subdued by the gravity of the situation. "I don't know how you managed to find out, Bei," she began, her voice steady, "but you were right about the conflict between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan."

Her words drew the attention of everyone in the room. She paused briefly before continuing, her gaze sweeping across us.

"Tang Hao killed the pope of Spirit Hall," she explained. The air grew tense as she spoke. "In retaliation, the Clear Sky Clan expelled Tang Hao and chose to isolate themselves completely. They abandoned their subordinate clans, leaving them vulnerable to Spirit Hall's wrath."

I listened quietly, though I knew her information wasn't entirely accurate. The truth was more complicated, Bibi Dong had been the one to kill the previous pope, but that was a secret known only to a few. Still, I kept that knowledge to myself, letting her narrative unfold without interruption.

The atmosphere in the room darkened as the implications of her words sank in. Dugu Xin clenched his fists. "So they just abandoned their allies?" he asked, his tone laced with frustration.

"It's more than that," Liu Erlong replied. "Their actions might seem cowardly, but they're likely protecting what's left of their clan. Still, it's left a power vacuum that Spirit Hall will undoubtedly exploit."

I remained silent, though inwardly, I was thrilled. The chaos between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan was the spark that would ignite a series of events I'd long anticipated. Everything is beginning to take shape.

Dugu Bo cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "On a better note," he said with a sly smile, "I've got some good news."

We turned our attention to him as he began to speak. "I've been searching for information on Sea God Island. After weeks in Vast Sea City, I finally found a group of sailors who claim they know how to get there."

The mention of Sea God Island immediately piqued everyone's interest. The legendary island was said to be a place of immense opportunity and danger, a proving ground for only the strongest.

"These sailors have a large ship," Dugu Bo continued, "and they've promised to guide you. But they warned me that it won't be an easy journey. Of course, I made sure they understood the consequences of misleading us." He grinned mischievously. "A little display of power can be quite persuasive."

With that, he handed me a small, intricately carved token. "This will identify you to them when you arrive. I've already paid their price, but don't take them at face value. Be cautious."

"Thank you, Grandpa," I said, pocketing the token. His efforts would save me precious time.

The room fell silent for a moment before I spoke again. "During my journey, I came across a secret place to train. It was isolated and challenging, but I managed to pass a series of trials."

Their curiosity was palpable, but I kept my explanation vague. "I gained a new Domain there," I continued, "one far stronger than my previous one. Unfortunately, the place began to collapse after I left."

I intentionally avoided mentioning that I had triggered the collapse myself. Some truths were better left unsaid.

Liu Erlong's eyes narrowed. "And your cultivation?" she asked.

"I achieved rank 70 about a year ago," I revealed. "But I've been accumulating energy since then. I've decided to wait until I reach Sea God Island to obtain my seventh spirit ring."

Her response was immediate and forceful. "That's reckless! You could be so much stronger if you advanced now."

Dugu Xin nodded in agreement. "She's right. Why delay? The sooner you absorb your seventh ring, the better."

I smiled, unperturbed by their concerns. "I don't need it right now," I said.

Their frustration was evident, and when they opened their mouths to argue further, I cut them off with a mischievous grin. "And besides, I could defeat both of you even without becoming a Spirit Saint."

The room went silent, my challenge hanging in the air. Liu Erlong's eyes flashed with irritation, and Dugu Xin's expression hardened.

"You're underestimating us," Liu Erlong said, her tone dangerously calm.

"Not at all," I replied, my voice light. "I'm simply confident."

They exchanged a glance before standing in unison. "We'll wait for you in the academy arena," Dugu Xin said, his voice cold.

As they left the room, I remained behind with Dugu Bo. He chuckled, shaking his head as I finished my tea.

"You're not even nervous, are you?" he asked, his grin wide.

"Nervous?" I echoed, setting my cup down. "I'm eager."

Dugu Bo laughed heartily as I stood and made my way to the arena, anticipation thrumming through my veins.

The academy's arena was a vast space, designed for training and sparring. When I arrived, Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin were already there, their auras blazing with determination. A small crowd of staff members had gathered, sensing the spectacle about to unfold.

I stepped into the arena. "Are you both ready?" I asked, my voice calm.

"We'll see if you can back up that confidence," Liu Erlong replied, her tone sharp.

Dugu Xin said nothing, but the resolve in his eyes was unmistakable.

They had no idea they were about to experience the power of a God's Domain. Incomplete or not, the Asura Domain was not something to be taken lightly.