Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 52: The Curtain Rises

As Dai Mubai left, Dai Yao said cryptically, "Don't worry, we'll meet again."

Dai Mubai was a bit confused. "What do you mean?"

"You'll understand later."

...

The next day.

As the first rays of dawn broke through, Dai Yao opened his eyes.

After a simple wash-up, he changed into a plain white robe.

Zhu Zhuqing extended her hands and carefully arranged his clothes, smoothing out the wrinkles. She lowered her head and said nothing.

Dai Yao understood her feelings. He gently stroked her back and reassured her, "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Unable to hold back any longer, Zhu Zhuqing threw herself into Dai Yao's arms.

Her body trembled, and Dai Yao noticed it.

"You have to win. You have to come back alive," Zhu Zhuqing's voice was choked with emotion.

"I promise you, I will," Dai Yao said solemnly.

When he opened the door, two people were waiting for him.

It was Feng Wutong and Zhang Xiaofan, both with unmistakable looks of concern on their faces.

Dai Yao couldn't help but joke, "Why the serious faces? It's not like I won't come back."

"You still have the mood to joke?" Feng Wutong couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.

"Your opponent is the academy's well-known Second Prince, a formidable force with a reputation for strength. Even though no one thinks you can win, we'll still cheer for you from the sidelines."

Zhang Xiaofan added, agreeing with her.

"You all think that little of me?" Dai Yao laughed.

Seeing the worried faces before him, he stopped joking and said seriously, "Don't worry. I will definitely win this duel."

Though the two didn't understand where his confidence came from, his tone made them feel a little more at ease.

...

Dai Yao's ten-day agreement with the Second Prince had drawn the attention of countless people.

Both were princes, both wielded the top-tier Beast Martial Soul, the White Tiger Martial Soul, and both had reached the level of Soul Master. The match was bound to be full of spectacle.

The academy's students weren't the only ones anticipating the battle; many of the teachers were eagerly awaiting it as well.

Not just the academy's Soul Masters, but many people from outside the academy were also drawn to the event.

The highest-ranking among them was naturally the Platinum Bishop of the Soul Hall, Ferdinand. Since it was a duel between two princes, it also attracted the attention of the Fifth Elder, who was stationed in the Imperial Capital by the Elder Hall, as well as many nobles from various duchies.

As time passed, when the last sliver of moonlight vanished from the horizon, the fiery red light began to drive away the darkness.

With the first light of dawn piercing through the academy, the quiet atmosphere was quickly replaced by the buzz of excitement.

The ten-day agreement was finally here.

The duel between the two princes was held in the long-sealed White Tiger Arena, a venue that only opened during the continent's elite Soul Master competitions.

The reputation of the White Tiger Arena had spread across the continent. Many Soul Masters, when they entered the academy, dreamed of fighting there.

The White Tiger Arena was enormous, circular in shape, with stone steps climbing upwards around the perimeter, resembling a grand coliseum.

From the highest steps, the duelists on the arena floor appeared as tiny as ants, and only with special equipment could the spectators see the duel in detail.

Even so, the vast arena quickly became packed with people, and the loud, excited chatter filled the air. The fiery atmosphere infected everyone entering the venue.

Above the arena, there was a specially prepared space reserved for people of high status. Not only was the view better, but the experience of watching the match was far superior as well.

Today, however, the space was also overcrowded with Soul Masters from the duchies attending the Royal Academy, as well as nobles from the Empire.

In the very front, several spots were reserved.

For the four princes, the Fifth Elder of the Elder Hall, the academy's Vice Principal Dai Hengyu, and the Platinum Bishop of the Soul Hall, Ferdinand.

Unfortunately, because the time was so short, the Seven Great Sects hadn't been able to send many representatives.

Many had already taken their seats, and amidst the rising chatter, Bishop Ferdinand suppressed his joy at the possibility of obtaining Dai Yao, and kept his signature fake smile, saying provocatively to the Fifth Elder beside him:

"Well, well, three years ago, we saw the same scene. The only difference is that the Fourth Prince's opponent went from the Third Prince to the Second Prince. The Star Luo Empire really has a wealth of talent, yet so many of them don't know how to cherish it."

In his heart, he added, "We, the Spirit Hall, will cherish the talent your royal family doesn't value."

The Third Prince, Dai Mubai, twitched his mouth, but quickly adjusted, opening a wine jug and taking a swig, pretending to be disheartened.

The smell of alcohol caused many people around him to frown.

Hearing Ferdinand's mocking tone, the Fifth Elder didn't give him a favorable look:

"Humph! The Star Luo Empire has a thousand-year legacy and its own traditions. Unlike you in the Spirit Hall, yesterday the Pope had the surname Qian, today it's Bibi, and tomorrow it could be Hu! No tradition at all."

The Fifth Elder didn't want to argue about family rules, so he quickly shot back, firing shots at Ferdinand's lack of tradition.

Ferdinand just smiled silently, and in his heart, he thought, "Maybe tomorrow the Pope will be Dai."

Watching Ferdinand's fake smile, the Fifth Elder grew more and more disgusted with him, feeling that something was hidden behind his smile.

In the arena, the Second Prince was already sitting quietly, adjusting himself and waiting for his opponent.

He wore an exquisitely crafted outfit, sitting with grace. His demeanor was elegant, and unlike the usual fierce image of the White Tiger family, he looked rather handsome.

Many of the female spectators were already swooning.

Dai Weisi sat on the high platform, watching Dai Yaming's pretentious display with a cold smile.

In these three years, if it weren't for his pursuit of the captaincy of the Star Luo Royal Academy's team, he would have long since dealt with Dai Yaming and Dai Yao, those two clowns.

He clearly knew that although Dai Yaming appeared graceful and refined, he was a man with deep thoughts. Dai Weisi had once suffered a few major setbacks from him.

"Dai Yaming, wait. After you defeat that brat Dai Yao today, I'll defeat you tomorrow. Since you still want to fight me, I won't hold back anymore."

In his heart, Dai Yao had no chance of winning. After all, a Soul Master who had just obtained his second spirit ring was no match for the deeply entrenched Dai Yaming, whose soul power had reached level 29.

As time ticked by, the moment of the duel finally arrived.

The once bustling arena gradually quieted down, and everyone's gaze turned toward the tunnel on the opposite side, awaiting the arrival of the next duelist.

The academy's legendary coward, the Fourth Prince—Dai Yao!

Suddenly, Ferdinand's eyes narrowed, then widened in shock. He said in a hushed voice, "Here he comes!"

(End of Chapter)

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