Douluo Dalu: The Abandoned Child

When Dugu Bo finished preparing the Whale Rubber, the air around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well seemed to hum with energy. The molten liquid gleamed within three separate containers, its glossy black surface pulsing faintly, as though alive. It was a sight that drew our complete attention.

"This is it," Grandpa announced, his voice carrying a mix of pride and anticipation. "The Whale Rubber is ready. Its potency here has been amplified thanks to the energy of the well."

I stepped forward, my gaze firm. "Grandpa, you should consume the strongest one, the 10,000-year Whale Rubber. You'll benefit the most from it."

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow at me, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh? And why's that?"

"You're already at Rank 86," I explained. "This will push your body further and allow you to absorb an even stronger soul ring when the time comes. You're on the verge of becoming a Titled Douluo, and we can't waste this opportunity."

Dugu Bo's eyes flickered with surprise before they softened into pride. "Hah! I see you've thought this through."

I shook my head firmly. "Uncle Xin, you and I will take the 3,000-year Whale Rubber. Grandpa's breakthrough is more important right now."

Uncle Xin hesitated but eventually relented with a sigh. "Alright. If you say so."

Grandpa nodded. "Fine. But let's take precautions. We'll consume the Whale Rubber at different locations of the well. Even here, the 'side effects' are something best dealt with alone."

At those words, Dugu Xin turned red, mumbling under his breath, "Must you mention that?"

I chuckled inwardly. The side effects, as they called it, were infamous for causing intense arousal, particularly in adults. For me, the effects would be less severe, but caution was still necessary.

Each of us chose a different area around the well. I headed to the yin side, where the frigid energy balanced the fiery nature of the molten Whale Rubber. The liquid shimmered faintly in my container, a potent treasure that held great power.

Taking a deep breath, I brought the container to my lips and swallowed the liquid in one motion.

The moment it entered my body, it felt like molten lava surging through my veins. My muscles seized, my bones cracked, and I clenched my teeth to endure it. Then came the freezing cold, clashing violently with the fire, as if the very essence of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was reshaping me from within.

This pain… it's nothing.

I gripped the ground beneath me, forcing myself to endure. I had been given a second chance, weakness had no place in this life.

Gradually, a strange warmth coursed through my body. I could feel my muscles strengthening, my bones hardening, and my entire being shifting into something more powerful.

The next morning, the three of us reconvened near the center of the well. Grandpa and Uncle Xin were already there, looking unusually embarrassed as they avoided each other's gazes.

"Don't say a word," Uncle Xin muttered when he saw me approaching.

Grandpa, on the other hand, burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Don't be so shy, Xin! What matters is the results, right?"

Uncle Xin grumbled something incoherent, but a faint smile betrayed his joy.

"What rank are you now, Grandpa?" I asked, curious.

Grandpa straightened proudly, his aura radiating newfound strength. "Rank 87. A step closer to becoming a Titled Douluo."

Uncle Xin blinked, then checked his own soul power. His jaw dropped. "I'm Rank 56? I advanced a full rank!"

I smiled faintly, satisfied with the results. "The Whale Rubber did its job. You're stronger now, and this is only the beginning."

"What about you, Bei?" Dugu Xin asked, his tone softening.

I clenched my fists, feeling the energy humming beneath my skin. "I'm ready to hunt my first soul beast."

Their expressions turned serious. Grandpa asked, "Already?"

"Yes," I replied firmly. "I'll focus on my first martial soul for now. I'll take it to nine rings before moving on to the second one. The advantage of twin martial souls is that the age of the rings I can absorb will increase exponentially."

Grandpa's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Twin martial souls… I don't know much about cultivating them. I'll consult someone for advice, there's a scholar called The Grandmaster who specializes in—"

"Don't mention him."

My voice cut through the air like ice, and the sudden tension made both of them freeze. My face was calm, but my tone carried a dangerous edge. "Never mention that man again."

Grandpa and Uncle Xin exchanged stunned glances. They didn't know what had caused such a reaction, but their expressions darkened instinctively.

"Understood," Grandpa said after a pause.

I took a deep breath, regaining my composure. "Forget him. We need to focus on what's ahead. We'll head to Star Dou Forest. I need to hunt my first soul ring for the Poison Devouring Spider Emperor."

Inwardly, I was already forming my plan. This is where it starts. The Spider Emperor will give me a foundation no one can match.

And Tang San… I smirked to myself. I'll make full use of him. Even before he's born, I'll take advantage of his path.