Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 23: The Second Prince

Dai Yao felt a weight settle in his chest. The small sense of relief he'd gained after winning the duel vanished instantly.

If not for the intervention of that stranger just now, he'd barely have escaped with his life, and Zhu Zhuqing would have likely been humiliated as well.

Having just set foot in the academy, Dai Yao had nearly been turned into a laughingstock by the Crown Prince's lackey, Haozi. Such an event would have tarnished his name completely.

His chest felt as if a heavy stone pressed upon it, leaving him breathless and more desperate than ever for strength.

"Power! All of this happened because I wasn't strong enough. If I had the strength, that rat wouldn't have dared to bully me so easily!"

Determined, Dai Yao resolved to spend every moment honing his abilities so that he could protect both himself and Zhuqing.

Pushing aside his turbulent emotions, he turned to the portly man who had come to his aid. "Thank you for your help. May I know your name?"

"No need for thanks; just call me Fatty. I've wanted to teach that rat a lesson for a long time, just never had a reason to. Today, I finally got my chance!" The man laughed heartily.

Then, with a beckoning gesture, he added, "Today, someone knew that rat would come after you and told me to watch out for you."

"Look out for me? Who was it?" Dai Yao asked, puzzled. Apart from his Third Uncle, Dai Hengyu, he had no contacts at Xingluo Royal Academy. Who else would protect him?

"It was the Second Prince."

"The Second Prince specifically ordered me to bring you to him." The man's tone was hearty but left no room for refusal.

The Second Prince, Dai Yaming. Even though they were both princes, they were still competitors, right? So what was Dai Yaming's purpose in wanting to meet him?

Pondering the invitation for a moment, Dai Yao couldn't figure out the Second Prince's intentions, but they were in the academy grounds, so he wasn't worried that Dai Yaming would harm him.

With Zhu Zhuqing in tow, the two followed Fatty as he led them several kilometers into a large mountain range.

They followed a winding mountain path, turning another corner until, finally, the view opened up before them.

Ahead lay a vast lake beside which stood an elegant castle, with towers and pavilions dotted along the landscape. Waterfalls and mist added a touch of ethereal beauty, creating a place of pure refinement and elegance.

After informing the guards at the entrance, they navigated a maze of winding corridors until they arrived at a lakeside pavilion, where a lone figure sat with his back to them.

A gentle breeze ruffled his clothes, and his golden hair glinted like the sun. He turned, setting down his tea with a faint smile, his eyes deep and unreadable.

A quiet, subtle aura of control seemed to radiate from him, as if he held the entire world in his grasp.

The instant Dai Yao saw him, he sensed something unusual about this man.

"Fourth Brother." Dai Yaming greeted him with a soft smile.

Hearing such a warm greeting was an unfamiliar experience for Dai Yao, who quickly returned the courtesy.

"Second Brother."

"Thank you for your help. If it weren't for your assistance, I wouldn't have been able to avoid such an embarrassing situation." Dai Yao bowed gratefully. Despite their competitive relationship, he felt compelled to thank the Second Prince for his help.

"No need."

"The Crown Prince is a common enemy between us. I couldn't just stand by and watch him bully you." With that, Dai Yaming cast Dai Yao a single glance, effectively placing them both on the same side.

"I heard about your duel. I never expected you to actually defeat Dai Mubai. Truly, you're a young hero, and a remarkable one at that." Dai Yaming's eyes held a touch of admiration. Secretly, he wished he could achieve what Dai Yao had and defeat someone older and more powerful, like Dai Weisi.

"Your praise is too generous…"

After a bit of polite conversation, Dai Yao asked the reason for Dai Yaming's invitation. "Second Brother, may I know why you asked me here?"

Dai Yaming chuckled and turned to look out over the shimmering lake, showing Dai Yao his back.

"I invited you here to form an alliance against the Crown Prince."

Before the duel, both Dai Weisi and Dai Mubai—being the sons of the Empress—had ganged up on him, leaving him no room to breathe.

Now, with Dai Mubai disgraced by his defeat, his reputation was in ruins, and he had lost the will to compete. All that remained was the matter of Dai Weisi, the primary contender for the throne.

However, Dai Weisi was a Soul Elder and the most promising heir to the throne, surrounded by numerous nobles and elite commoners.

On Dai Yaming's side, only Fatty was remotely useful. Their forces were disproportionately matched, and thus he was keen to find an ally.

Dai Yao, after all, shared a blood feud with the Crown Prince and had just defeated Dai Mubai. He had both motive and power, making him a perfect candidate for an ally.

Dai Yaming did have one reservation—Dai Yao's potential was impressive, possibly even a threat to his own position.

But he ultimately dismissed the concern; with six years between them, Dai Yaming was already a Level 25 Soul Master, and he didn't believe a newly awakened soul master could threaten him.

"So, what do you think?" Dai Yaming asked with a warm smile.

Dai Yaming and Dai Weisi had similar soul power levels; what he lacked was time. Under Dai Weisi's oppression, he could scarcely find the time to train.

But if Dai Yao could draw Dai Weisi's attention, Dai Yaming would finally be able to cultivate in peace and work toward matching Dai Weisi's strength.

Coincidentally, Dai Yao had the same thought.

Before arriving at Xingluo Royal Academy, his Third Uncle had already analyzed his situation: Dai Yao was bound to suffer continuous harassment from Dai Weisi, preventing him from training.

And now, as if on cue, a solution presented itself.

With Dai Yaming in front, drawing attention, Dai Yao could focus solely on cultivation.

"An alliance with Second Brother? I would be honored."

The two shared a pleasant conversation, the pavilion filled with a harmonious atmosphere.

Just then, a mocking voice disrupted the peace.

"Well, well~ Who's this poor beggar, coming to beg for scraps?"

The voice was lazy, laced with an alluring charm that left ripples in one's heart.

Dai Yao turned to see a woman leaning against a wall, dressed in a sleek black outfit that accentuated her curves. She covered her mouth with a folding fan, laughing quietly.

Seeing her, Zhu Zhuqing's body trembled slightly. Her eyes filled with fear, and she shrank back, clutching Dai Yao's arm.

"What are you hiding for? I won't bite." The woman strolled up to Dai Yao, folding her fan as she cast a malicious look at Zhu Zhuqing.

"S-sister…" Zhu Zhuqing stammered, her voice quivering.

This was Dai Yaming's fiancée, the Second Miss of the Zhu family, Zhu Zhuyue.

From a young age, Zhu Zhuqing had been bullied by her older sisters. Zhu Zhuyun, the eldest, was subtle and scheming, wearing a mask of kindness over a conniving heart. Zhu Zhuyue, however, was openly arrogant and willful, and even more ruthless.

When Zhu Zhuqing's martial spirit awakened, the two of them only intensified their bullying.

(End of Chapter)

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