2 Chapter 2

——Long Chen POV——

I have achieved my goal of meeting the future protagonist of Douluo Dalu 2. It was hard to meet him since he lives somewhere away from the main mansion due to his status. It was even harder to search as there are multiple eyes on me. The two Dai brothers wouldn't leave me alone that often.

Anyways, I have ascertain the official timeline. Seeing as I'm a few years older than Yuhao, we aren't likely to cross paths in Shrek academy until the tournament arc. That makes matters simpler.

Despite me already knowing his poor treatment in the White tiger mansion, it really gives a different feeling seeing it in person. Harassment, discrimination, plundering, it's no wonder he despises this place to the heavens. He was practically blood-thirsty for their blood. In my opinion, if it hadn't been for his companions and love interest, he might've massacred this clan already after becoming strong.

Anyway, day after day, I would go meet up with Yuhao in secret. Each day we see each other, there were always small wounds forming. I healed them of course. There a time where Yuhao asked if he could heal his mother but even he can't do anything about malnutrition and heal people with natural weak bodies.

I would like to protect him if I could. However with my status in this place, I would probably bring him more trouble instead. If my knowledge in their pride stands correctly, they would think something along the line of : "A mere useless illegitimate child born from a maid dare to hide behind the Young master of the Ming clan."

My protection might shield him from physical harassment but can't do anything about verbal ones. Additionally, I don't know what will happen once I leave. I can only support him from the shadows.

3rd POV

Long Chen's name as a great prodigy spread across the mansion. The way he conducts himself and his extraordinary growth served as the pillar and cornerstone for his title. Several maids couldn't help but also admire his facial features. To them, there was no doubt that he will grow up to be extremely handsome as well.

"Brother Long, why do they keep bullying me? Aren't I also from the same family?"

"Yuhao, you are still too young to understand the ruthlessness of society. But do know this, there are a lot of bad people in the world. They like to step on the weak and helpless to make themselves feel stronger."

"Bad people..."

"That's why you have to get stronger to make them be unable to say anything and regret their actions."

"Become strong? Like Brother Long!"

"The power ladder is endless. I'm not that strong." Long Chen rubs the boy's head.

"That can't be right! Brother Long is very strong. You sent those bullies running!"

"Haha, there are a lot of spirit masters stronger than me. That's also why I have to keep climbing."

Yuhao and Long Chen got along like brothers. While on the other hand....

"Brother Long!" A small figure crash into Long Chen's back making him stumble a little. Long Chen turns his head to get a good look at the culprit despite already knowing who it is.

"Huabin. Don't slam into me so recklessly like that! Aren't you afraid of getting hurt?"

"Hurt? Me? As if. I'm a proud son of the white tiger clan, there's no way I can get injured so easily like those other kids!"

"You're a kid yourself. Moreover, you haven't even gone through your awakening."

"?!" the boy was at a loss for words for a second, "I'm different!"

"So, what it is this time?"

"Teach me the basics of cultivating now!"

"The basics? Didn't your tutors went that over with you yesterday?"

"I know but it was so boring that I can't remember! So are you going to teach me or not! I won't take no for an answer!"

"Ok ok. Lets go into a room."

The two boys enters a room and sat down face to face.

"Ok, what do you need me to explain first. The ranks? Spirit essence? Spirit beasts?"

"Mmm....Spirit essence!"

"Alright, There are 3 types of spirit essences. First, you have Tool spirits. They come is different shapes and forms ranging from plants and farming tools to weaponry and gemstones. It is shown that those with tool spirits are more unlikely to reach higher levels."

"But Brother Long's spirit essence is a tool spirit right? So why are you stronger than my brother."

"Now now, if Yaoheng heard you say this, how sad will he be. The two of us are pretty much evenly matched"

"Who cares! Answer my question."

"It just means I use my spirit essence more effectively whenever I win. I am aiming for control after all. Onto the next one, we have Beast type spirit essence. They are based off of spirit beasts. When activated, the spirit master's body will change or take on a characteristics similar to a beast like your brother."

"Mother says that our family is the best when it comes down to beast spirit. Our ancestor became a god!"

"Heh, not necessarily. But it is true one of your ancestor ascended and became a god."

"I want to be like him."

"If you don't slack off and train hard, it'll naturally come true."

"Of course it has to come true, mother says I'm going to become a genius!"

'They really did fill him up. No wonder he became so arrogant after growing up. He also seems to have an obsession with being top ranked.' Long Chen sweat-drops seeing the little boy puff out his chest, "Anyway, now we're down to the last type. You don't see this one very often."

"Is it rare?"

"Yes, it's the body spirit types. It means there are some spirit master that manifest their essence within their body parts like arms, legs or even hair."

"What's so special about that?"

"Well, they don't utilize tools or power from spirit beasts like others. When activated, they can greatly enhance the strength of a part of the body. Their spirit grows alongside their cultivation and possibly evolve. Have you heard of the benti sect?"

"Benti sect? What's that? A no-name clan?"

"Well, you'll know about them when you grow up."

"What is it! Tell me now!"

Huabin tackles the older boy and it took a lot of time to stop him.

Timeskip>>>>>

With each passing season, Long Chen's relationship with the three siblings grew tight. For Yaoheng, he was a great companion and it would do him good to quickly makes connections with someone with potential. For Huabin, he was someone stronger and well-known. Someone who he admires but wants to surpass. For Yuhao, he was a admirable brother that he never had.

Regardless of opinion, the day came for when Long Chen is to depart back to the clan and make preparation for the up-coming Shrek Academy examination. Both clans made the decision to have both Yaoheng and Long Chen enter the academy together so they can watch each other's backs. This will not only pull their friendship closer but also act as a bridge that connects the two clans in the future. A win-win situation.

Knowing that the long awaited time has come, Long Chen had to relay the news to Yuhao.

"What? You're leaving! No way!" Yuhao quickly jumped into the older boy's arms in an embrace.

"Yuhao....I need to attend school since I'm already old enough."

"Can't you just stay here? Brother Long is smart so you don't need to attend school to learn."

"Unfortunately, that's not how the world works. If I wan to become stronger, I need to attend this school since it's a special school."

"...isn't brother strong already. You're always protecting me from those bullies."

"Someday, when you go through you're awakening and cultivate. You'll realize that the only way to improve efficiently is to attend school."

"But....will we meet?"

"Yes, surely in the future. We'll definitely meet. One day, you'll make lots of friends, share both sweet and harsh times, experience the ways of the world and society."

"Really! What school will you go to?"

"I'll be departing for Shrek academy in Shrek city. It's a school for monsters."

"Monsters?! Will brother long be ok?"

"Don't worry, you already know your brother long here is strong."

"....then, one day....I'll go to Shrek academy to look for brother long when I grow older."

The corner of Long Chen's lips raised to a gentle smile, "I'll be waiting for your arrival then."

—— Dai Huabin ——

"No no no no no!!"

A very loud cry rang throughout outside, a golden haired child is seen clinging onto the black haired boy. The older brother is also working hard to pry the younger boy off. The escorts are already here, ready to pick up their young master and take him back to their clan. The only problem is that the second young master of the white tiger clan didn't want to let him go.

"If you leave, who's going to help me learn and train then!!!"

"Huabin, don't you have spectacular tutors ready to help you."

"NO! Brother Long's teachings are much easier to understand and more fun! I don't want those snobby and boring old teachers!"

"Younger brother (Di Di), Brother Long needs to return to the Ming clan to prepare for Shrek's enrollment."

"Your brother is right. There are people there waiting for me to return home."

" NO! Your home is here! You need to help me become stronger. You need to be there to watch my spirit awakening!"

"Huabin, listen to me. I may not be there watching your growth but I will be there for when you become strong. One day, you'll follow the path of your older brother and enter the same school as us. You need to learn to rely on your own power. For that reason, you must study hard before we meet again."

Long Chen could feel the grip on his arm become softer. "When the time came, when you become stronger, why don't we have a match?"

"A match?"

"Mn, so you need to catch up to me. You need to surprise me."

After a bit more coaxing, Yaoheng was able to get him off of his friend. Huabin had a change of attitude and ran back into the mansion yelling, "Make sure to keep your promise!!!! I'll defeat you!!!"

"Sorry about my younger brother, Long Chen. He's still young."

"That's alright. I do hope he grows to be someone of great character, though."

"Let's hope for that....hahaha."

The two of them laugh awkwardly as they are well-aware of Huabin's nasty personality and tendency to throw tantrums and insults. His pride is as deep and vast as the ocean.

"Well then, let's meet in the academy."

"Yes."

They bid farewell to each other as Long Chen was escorted back to the Ming clan.