Douluo Dalu: The Abandoned Child

After several days of travel, our group finally arrived at the academy. The place was still mostly empty with a serene atmosphere. Tang Hao was the first to break the silence.

"It's a nice place," he said, his deep voice carrying a hint of approval. "Quiet."

Bei grinned, his youthful face lighting up with pride. "Enjoy the silence while it lasts. Soon enough, it'll be replaced by the chaos of noisy students." He spread his arms wide and added dramatically, "Welcome to the Asura Academy."

As if on cue, a familiar voice came from behind him. "So you finally gave it a name, kid."

Bei turned to see Dugu Xin approaching, carrying his three-year-old daughter, Dugu Yan, in his arms. The little girl was wriggling with all her might, trying to escape her father's hold to reach her grandfather. Dugu Xin, with a resigned sigh, finally let her go. She immediately ran to Dugu Bo, who scooped her up with a chuckle.

Next to Dugu Xin stood Liu Erlong, her arms crossed as she surveyed the scene with curiosity. "This is the new blacksmith you were talking about?" she asked, nodding toward Tang Hao.

Bei nodded. "Yes, he'll be the academy's blacksmith and a teacher, as well."

Dugu Xin raised an eyebrow. "A teacher? Do you intend to make him a Titled Douluo as well?"

Bei smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Not quite."

Before anyone could question further, Tang Hao stepped forward. He understood the hint and, without a word, unleashed his aura. Nine soul rings materialized around him, glowing with power: two yellow, two purple, four black, and one crimson red. He introduced himself as he removed his cloak, revealing his strong features and imposing presence.

"My name is Tang Hao, Clear Sky Douluo."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin stared at him, their faces a mix of awe and disbelief. Tang Hao's recent reputation as the youngest Titled Douluo in history was well-known, even though that had happened just a few months ago. Besides, he is also famous for killing Qian Xunji, the former pope of Spirit Hall.

"This is..." Liu Erlong began, but words seemed to fail her.

Bei couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions. "Surprised? Don't be. You know I have a way with people, I blame my outstanding personality and perfect looks." Bei said with a hand on his chest.

Dugu Xin sighed and said: "I think I forgot to teach you some humility, Bei." But Dugu Bei saw he was trying to hold a grin.

"You need to check your ego, Crazy Kid," Liu Erlong said shaking her head.

Bei looked down at himself and then smirked. "Perfectly awesome, thanks for asking." He said with a wink. 

After that, he gestured toward Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin. "Allow me to introduce them. This is Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin. They will also be teachers here. And the little one," he pointed to the girl now clinging to Dugu Bo, "is Dugu Yan, Dugu Xin's daughter."

Remembering they were in the presence of a Titled Douluo, Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin hurriedly bowed. "Your Excellency," they said in unison, their voices filled with respect.

Tang Hao raised a hand, stopping them. "There's no need for that. From now on, we're colleagues." He glanced at Bei with a weird smile. "After all, we're all working for the same brat now."

Bei rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Liu Erlong was the first to break the silence this time. "In that case, who is the little one in your arms, Brother Tang Hao?" she asked with a light and teasing tone.

Tang Hao seemed momentarily taken aback by the casual address but quickly recovered. "This is my son, Tang San." He held the baby up slightly, his voice softening as he spoke.

The group's attention shifted to the baby, who looked around with curious, wide eyes. Liu Erlong cooed at him, and even Dugu Yan seemed interested. Meanwhile, Bei yawned exaggeratedly.

"This is all very heartwarming," he said, "but I miss my bed. I'm heading back to rest. You old people can keep chatting."

Liu Erlong reacted instantly, picking up a rock and throwing it at him. "Who are you calling old?" She shouted. Bei dodged it with a laugh.

"Liu Erlong, Dugu Xin," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "The three of us will be leaving in a week. Grandpa will explain the details. I'm too lazy to do it myself."

Before anyone could protest, he turned and started walking away. Over his shoulder, he called out, "Good luck convincing, Grandpa. I'm counting on you!"

Dugu Bo sighed, shaking his head as he watched Bei disappear into the distance. Convincing Dugu Xin to leave his daughter for a few years would be no small feat, but he hoped the promise of becoming a Titled Douluo would be enough. Bei knew his parents and Tang Hao wouldn't hesitate a minute to accept the offer, though. Shitty parents, Bei thought.