Douluo Dalu: The Abandoned Child

The journey to Vast Sea City was swift as the group had no need to accommodate a baby on this trip. Dugu Xin seemed especially determined to reach their destination quickly, his longing to return to Dugu Yan noticeable in every step. 

Vast Sea City, the Empire's only coastal city, was a marvel to behold. Built atop a mountain by the sea, the city boasted towering fortifications that overlooked the endless ocean. The salty air mingled with the lively bustle of merchants, sailors, and fishermen going about their business. The sight of the expansive sea stretched beyond the horizon left them momentarily awestruck. Even Bei, who prided himself on his composure, couldn't help but marvel at the vastness before him.

"It's incredible," Liu Erlong said, her voice tinged with awe.

"Impressive," Dugu Xin added, though his mind seemed elsewhere. Without hesitation, he turned to Bei. "We should head to the bay to find the crew immediately. No time to waste." His tone carried a hint of urgency, no doubt fueled by his desire to return to his daughter as soon as possible.

Bei smirked but kept his thoughts to himself. He misses her already.

The bay was a chaotic yet vibrant scene, filled with the shouts of sailors, the creak of wooden ships, and the aroma of saltwater mingled with fish. Dozens of ships of various sizes and quality were docked. Merchants bartered loudly with customers, and fishermen were everywhere.

Bei approached a young merchant who was overseeing a shipment of barrels. He put out the token Dugu Bo gave him and held it out for the merchant to see.

"This token," Bei said, his tone sharp. "Where is the crew it belongs to?"

The merchant's eyes widened as he recognized the emblem. His expression shifted to one of alarm. "That token… It belongs to a group of suicidal fanatics. My advice? Stay far away from them."

Bei's patience wore thin. A faint but unmistakable wave of spirit power emanated from him, causing the merchant to flinch. "That's not an answer," Bei said coldly. "Where can I find them?"

The merchant stammered. "I-I don't know where they are! But their captain, she's called 'The Madam.' Everyone knows her. She's the craziest of them all."

Satisfied for now, Bei stepped back, letting the merchant scurry away. "Let's ask the sailors about this 'Madam,'" he suggested to Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin.

For hours, they roamed the bay, questioning sailors about the elusive "Madam." The responses they received were very consistent.

"The Madam? She's insane. Keeps getting her crew killed."

"That woman's a psychopath. She'll drag you straight to hell if you follow her."

"Stay away. That's all I'm saying."

Despite the warnings, no one could provide a concrete lead on her whereabouts. Frustration mounted as the day wore on.

"Maybe it's for the best," Liu Erlong said. "Considering how terrifying everyone says she is."

Bei grinned mischievously. "What's your point? She sounds like the perfect woman to me."

Liu Erlong rolled her eyes. "Of course, she does."

Before Bei could retort, a young boy approached them hesitantly. His clothes were ragged, and his wide eyes darted nervously between them.

"The Madam heard you're looking for her," the boy said in a low voice. "Follow me, please."

The trio exchanged wary glances but nodded, allowing the boy to lead the way. Dugu Xin took the lead, his protective instincts on high alert. Bei and Liu Erlong followed closely behind, their senses sharp for any sign of trouble.

The boy led them to an old inn tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Its weathered exterior and creaking signboard gave it an air of abandonment. The boy stopped at the entrance and gestured inside.

"The Madam is waiting for you," he said before darting away, leaving them standing at the doorway.

Inside, the inn was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of alcohol. Around ten men sat scattered at various tables, their eyes immediately locking onto the newcomers. At the center of the room sat a single woman at a table. She exuded an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore. Though she appeared to be in her fifties, Bei instinctively felt she was closer in age to Dugu Bo. Her sharp gaze and confident posture spoke of a lifetime of battle-hardened experience.

There goes the woman of my dreams, Bei thought to himself. He was sure Liu Erlong was going to make fun of him later.

He walked toward her, Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin flanking him. The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Every pair of eyes followed their movements, ready to defend their leader at the slightest provocation.

When Bei reached the table, he showeded the token again and placed it before her.

"I believe this belongs to you," he said.

The Madam picked up the token and inspected it closely. Her expression remained unreadable as she studied the intricate design. Finally, she looked up at Bei, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"I was waiting for you," she said, her voice calm but laced with authority. "You sure took your sweet time."