Douluo Dalu: The Abandoned Child

The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was a place of extraordinary vitality and peace, we decided to rest there for a few days before heading to the academy. Tang Hao's reluctance to leave Ah Yin was palpable, but Dugu Bei reassured him. "You can always come back," Bei said, his tone calm but firm. "Besides, a place like this could use a guardian. Think about it: your presence here could ensure its safety, in the future." After some consideration, Tang Hao nodded in agreement, though his gaze lingered on the vibrant plant that had his wife's spirit.

On the second day, while Dugu Bo cultivated as he used to do in this land, Bei approached Tang Hao. The man was seated near Ah Yin's small vibrant form, with baby Tang San cradled in his arms. His expression was distant yet watchful, as though he were lost in thought but ready to spring into action at any moment. Bei stepped closer and cleared his throat.

"Hi, there! Sorry to bother you, but I wonder if you are interesting in making another deal," Bei said, his voice carrying the weight of calculated seriousness. Before Tang Hao could interrupt, he added, "This doesn't affect Ah Yin. She'll remain here to cultivate, as promised. I'm not going back on my word."

Tang Hao's eyes narrowed, but he gestured for Bei to continue. This was the real reason Dugu Bei decided to recruit Tang Hao, so he had to play his cards well.

"I want you to teach me a specific technique," Bei stated. "Ring Explosion."

Tang Hao's reaction was immediate: his eyes widened in surprise, and his grip on Tang San tightened. "How do you know about that?"

"Let's just say I make it my business to know things," Bei replied with a smirk. "It's a remarkable technique, isn't it? The ability to explode soul rings and integrate their power into the user. Truly unparalleled. But I'm not asking you to give it to me for free."

Tang Hao's expression darkened. "You're not a member of the Clear Sky Clan. That technique is part of the Great Sumeru Hammer method, and it's only taught to one person per generation."

"True," Bei acknowledged, spreading his hands. "But the clan abandoned you, didn't they? They cast you out. Why cling to their traditions when they've done nothing but leave your family to die?"

Tang Hao opened his mouth to argue, but Bei cut him off. "Besides, I'm not asking you to break tradition without compensation. I'm prepared to offer three things in return."

Tang Hao's curiosity was piqued despite himself. "What things?"

Bei nodded. "First, an immortal herb that will completely heal your internal injuries." He paused, watching as Tang Hao's eyes flickered with interest. "Second, a promise: if something happens to you, I will pass on the technique to Tang San when he's ready. And third…" Bei leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "The location of your grandfather, Tang Chen."

Tang Hao's shock was evident. "That's impossible. How could a 12-year-old know where my grandfather is?"

Bei smiled faintly. "Impossible is a word others use, not me."

Tang Hao's gaze was intense as he processed Bei's words. Finally, he asked, "Why do you want this technique so badly?"

Bei stepped back, exuding confidence. "I have my reasons, but rest assured, it's not to harm your clan or your family." he added with a shrug, "I've always been fascinated by the art of making the impossible possible."

Tang Hao considered this for a long moment. His gaze drifted to Tang San, who was sleeping soundly in his arms, then back to Bei.

"I'll teach you," he said at last, his voice heavy with caution. "But I can't guarantee it will work for you. The Ring Explosion technique was designed for the Clear Sky Hammer. Without it, you might not be able to harness its power."

Bei grinned. "I'll find a way. I always do." He grinned and released his second Martial Soul, "Do you think this saber could work as a substitute for your hammer?" He asked innocently.

"Is that your Martial Soul?" Tang Hao asked.

"One of them," Dugu Bei answered with a wink.

Tang Hao sighed, "I'm getting too old for this shit." Bei just laughed at his exasperation.

The next two days were a whirlwind of instruction and experimentation. Tang Hao's teaching style was blunt and intense, but Bei's determination matched it blow for blow. Using his Dragon Slaying Saber as a substitute for the Clear Sky Hammer, Bei began to grasp the principles of Ring Explosion. Each attempt brought him closer to understanding the delicate balance of power and control required to execute the technique.

Bei felt weird using his second martial soul, he could still summon it normally, but its lack of "life" made him feel uneasy. He wanted to help the saber awaken again. But he had no idea how to do so.

"You've got potential," Tang Hao admitted grudgingly when they finished practicing. "But don't let that go to your head. This technique is as dangerous as it is powerful. One wrong step, and it could destroy you."

Bei nodded solemnly. "I understand. Thank you for trusting me with this, I still can't use the technique properly, but I know I will be able to master it eventually. And I promise to never teach this technique to anyone without your permission."

Tang Hao said nothing more, but there was a faint glimmer of respect in his eyes as he turned back to Ah Yin's glowing form. Dugu Bo, watching from a distance, smirked and shook his head. He had become the designated babysitter while we trained, so Tang San was also watching us train from his lap.

"You've always had a way of getting what you want, haven't you?" he muttered.

Bei laughed softly. "It's a gift, Grandpa. A gift and a curse."