"Why? Do you want to publish my Twin Martial Spirits cultivation method as a book again? So that the name of the useless Yu Xiaogang can once more spread across the continent?"
"If there's nothing else, you may leave."
Bibi Dong didn't care about Yu Xiaogang's ashen, iron-blue face. With a flick of her robes, she turned and left the Pope's Hall.
"So it's you… turns out it's the continent's most infamous trash, Yu Xiaogang."
The moment Bibi Dong left, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo emerged from the shadows, their gazes filled with ridicule as they looked at him.
When he saw the two Titled Douluo appear, Yu Xiaogang instantly lost all the bluster he had shown earlier.
He knew well—Bibi Dong wouldn't kill him. But Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo? That was another story. If he angered them, his little life could end right here.
And so, Yu Xiaogang was tossed out of Spirit Hall like a dead dog, carried by the two Titled Douluo.
In a twisted sense, this was still something he could boast about. If not for Bibi Dong, he'd never even have the chance to be near Titled Douluo in his lifetime—except perhaps in dreams.
"My dear Pope, what wind has blown you here today?"
Lin Fan, who had been resting, glanced at Bibi Dong with a smile.
He spread his arms wide without hesitation, pulling her directly into his embrace, not even giving her the chance to refuse.
Lin Fan wasn't surprised by her arrival. With Li Kai causing such a massive uproar during the Continental Soul Master Tournament, as the Pope of Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong would naturally want answers.
"Let me go."
Bibi Dong's delicate body trembled violently before she shoved Lin Fan aside.
"It's just a hug. Come now, tell me—what brings you here?"
Pushed away, Lin Fan didn't grow angry. Instead, his eyes carried a playful glint as he casually poured himself a glass of water.
"Li Kai and the others… their spirit rings somehow became ten-thousand-year rings. Even their martial spirits have changed. Is this your doing?"
Bibi Dong's gaze was sharp, like a hawk circling above, as if she intended to pierce through his very soul.
"My dear Pope, must you put it so harshly? What do you mean my doing? Ten-thousand-year rings are real, aren't they?"
Lin Fan merely spread his hands, unconcerned.
"How did you make it happen?"
Receiving his indirect confirmation, Bibi Dong shot forward in an instant, closing the distance.
Startled, Lin Fan accidentally sprayed the mouthful of water he had just drunk—straight into her face.
"Cough, cough—don't get so worked up! Yes, it was me."
Seeing her fury reach its peak, Lin Fan quickly rose to his feet.
"Can even Twin Martial Spirits be altered?"
Bibi Dong frowned, pressing down her anger to ask calmly.
She knew better than anyone—if Lin Fan could truly enhance her martial spirit, her path to inheriting the Rakshasa God's divinity could be drastically shortened.
"Heh… of course they can. But… if I help the Pope herself change her martial spirit, what exactly do I get in return?"
Lin Fan lifted his gaze slowly, his eyes carrying an unmistakable suggestion.
"If you can help me alter my martial spirit, I can give you half of Spirit Hall's power."
Bibi Dong gritted her teeth as she spoke.
Spirit Hall meant everything to her. If not for the overwhelming temptation of changing her martial spirit, she would never have offered such a price.
"Half of Spirit Hall, huh… Not bad. But, Pope, I'm afraid I can't do it right now."
"Lin Fan, don't push your luck."
Her eyes flashed with killing intent. A man with the power to enhance spirit rings and martial spirits was too dangerous—if he couldn't be used, then he had to be destroyed.
"My Pope, I do desire half of Spirit Hall… but with my current strength, I cannot help you. Not yet. You'll have to wait until I reach the Titled Douluo realm."
Seeing her ready to strike, Lin Fan explained patiently.
Spirit Hall was the greatest soul master force on the continent. To say Lin Fan wasn't tempted would be a lie. If he could bring half of Spirit Hall's soul masters into the Zerg hive for transformation, they could sweep across the land like an unstoppable tide.
But reason curbed his excitement. Setting aside Bibi Dong's strength, Lin Fan still didn't know her stance toward the Zerg hive. Worse, if they drew the attention of the gods in the heavens, his future growth could be ruined.
"You make sense… I can wait."
Bibi Dong finally nodded, realizing she had overlooked their disparity in strength. Her tone eased noticeably.
At least from this exchange, she now understood—Lin Fan had no intention of opposing Spirit Hall.
"The power of a Titled Douluo… truly enviable."
"Come, Tang Hao. Let's go."
Lin Fan shook his head at the spot Bibi Dong had just stood.
He had already decided to head for Heaven Dou City. The Heaven Dou Royal Team had been crushed by Li Kai, their cultivation hearts shattered. Now they were desperate to grow stronger. Lin Fan knew this was his chance.
Though he considered most of the Royal Team mediocre, there were a few with real potential—especially Ye Lingling, whose Nine-Hearted Begonia martial spirit could only spark his imagination regarding what it might become after hive transformation.
"Who would've thought Heaven Dou City would hide such a breathtaking beauty… truly an eye-opener for this old man."
After wandering the city for half a day, Lin Fan still hadn't found Yu Tianheng's group. Likely, their families had already retrieved them. He felt a twinge of disappointment.
"Shi Nian, you're a seven-ring Soul Sage bullying juniors. Don't you have any shame?"
Lin Fan had little interest in peerless beauties, but Shi Nian's presence instantly caught his attention.
Not because of the man himself, but his martial spirit. If transformed within the hive, it could become a most useful weapon.
"That's right! We of Blazing Academy aren't easy prey. If you touch us, Shi Nian, our academy will never forgive you!"
At the mention of Blazing Academy, Lin Fan's heart stirred with delight.
Though not on Yu Tianheng's level, Blazing Academy students were still considered geniuses of the continent. If he couldn't find Yu Tianheng's group, bringing these ones back wouldn't be a wasted trip.
"Blazing Academy… today, none of you will leave alive. And who would ever know it was me who did it?"
Shi Nian's mocking voice chilled the group.
In the face of a Soul Sage, their protests faltered. Despair spread across their hearts.
"Well, well… if it isn't Shi Nian, you old dog."
Lin Fan stepped out from the side, his tone unhurried, eyes gleaming with opportunity.
"Master…"
Behind him, Tang Hao stepped forward, ready to crush Shi Nian.
"No need. For an old thing like him, I'll handle it myself."
****
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