Douluo Dalu: The Abandoned Child

The forest around Tang Hao's secluded house was dense and quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Bei and Dugu Bo found a small clearing a fair distance away to set up camp. As they began to prepare their tent, Dugu Bo, who had maintained his stoic expression all day, suddenly smacked the back of Bei's head.

"Ouch! That hurts, Grandpa!" Bei exclaimed, rubbing the sore spot and glaring indignantly at Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo crossed his arms and finally broke his poker face, looking mildly annoyed. "You deserved it. You didn't think it was worth mentioning that we were meeting a Titled Douluo beforehand?"

Bei winced under his grandfather's glare. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to surprise you like that. I promise I won't do it again."

"Hmph," Dugu Bo grunted. "Promises, promises. Just make sure you don't drag me into another ambush like that. Now, let's finish setting up camp."

They worked in silence for a while, creating a small, comfortable camp with a modest tent and a fire to keep them warm. Later, as the fire crackled and the night deepened, Bei began to share some of his thoughts.

"Grandpa," he said, staring into the flames, "I've decided to go to Sea God Island for five or six years."

Dugu Bo's eyebrows shot up, "I supposed that was going to be your next destination, but I didn't expect you would leave for 5 years."

Bei nodded. "It's a necessity. When I return, I'll be a Titled Douluo for sure. I plan to take Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin with me. But I'm not sure if Uncle Xin will agree. He might refuse to leave Dugu Yan behind, and it's too dangerous for her to come with us."

The fire crackled, filling the brief silence between them. Dugu Bo's expression turned thoughtful. "If Dugu Xin can truly become a Titled Douluo in five years, it's worth the risk. He'll need that strength to protect his daughter in the future. I'll convince him to go. And I'll take care of Xiao Yan while you're gone."

Bei smiled warmly. "Thank you, Grandpa. That means a lot."

They chatted idly for a while before Bei grew serious again. "I have another favor to ask you," he said, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket. He handed it to Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo unfolded it and scanned the contents. It contained detailed descriptions of two children: their names, ages, physical features, and martial souls.

"Who are these children?" Dugu Bo asked, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"Future students of the academy," Bei replied. "You need to find them in five years if I'm not back by then. They're just babies now, but they'll be crucial to our plans."

Dugu Bo's gaze lingered on Bei, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion in his expression. "Can you see the future?" he finally asked.

Bei grinned, his usual mischievous glint returning. "Something like that."

Dugu Bo sighed, folding the paper and tucking it away. "Fine. Keep your secrets. But one day, you'll tell me everything."

Bei's expression softened. "Someday, I promise."

As they settled into their tent for the night, the sound of footsteps approaching the camp reached their ears. Bei and Dugu Bo exchanged a glance, both immediately alert but pretending not to notice. The steps grew louder until a familiar figure emerged from the shadows.

It was Tang Hao, carrying two bags and Tang San in his arms. Bei's keen senses picked up the faint energy emanating from one of the bags. It was unmistakably alive.

Tang Hao stopped a few paces away from the campfire, his piercing gaze fixed on Bei. "I accept your offer," he said, his deep voice resonating in the quiet forest. "But understand this: if you fail to keep your promises, I will hold you responsible."

Bei stood and walked over, his expression calm but confident. "I always keep my promises," he said. "You won't have to worry about that."

Tang Hao's grip on the bag tightened as he placed it gently on the ground. Bei didn't need to open it to know what was inside: Ah Yin, Tang Hao's wife, in her plant form. Tang Hao's actions spoke volumes. For all his faults, his love for Ah Yin was unwavering, and it was that mad love Bei had counted on.

Tang Hao's voice dropped, filled with a quiet intensity. "If you can help my family, I, Tang Hao, Clear Sky Douluo, swear to serve your academy until my last breath."

Bei smiled faintly. "Then we have an agreement." Internally, he thought, As terrible a father as Tang Hao might be, his devotion to his wife is unmatched. Offering to aid in Ah Yin's resurrection was the key to securing his loyalty.

Tang Hao's expression softened slightly as he looked down at his son. Tang San stirred, letting out a soft coo. Bei's gaze flicked to the baby, and his mind raced with future possibilities. The father's talents were remarkable, but the son… the son held even greater potential.

"Since you've accepted," Bei said, breaking the silence, "we'll need to make a quick detour to Sunset Forest. That's where the academy's magical herb land is located."

Tang Hao nodded. "Then let's go. There's no reason to wait."

Bei turned to Dugu Bo, who had been quietly observing the exchange. "Grandpa, we are packing up and leaving right now!" He said with a thumb up.

Dugu Bo rolled his eyes but complied without complaint. "You're lucky I'm used to your antics," he muttered.

Within minutes, their camp was dismantled, and the small group began their journey through the forest. Tang Hao had agreed. The foundation of his academy was solidifying, one extraordinary Titled Douluo had joined and brought along Dugu Bei's perfect little minion.