Elder Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Douluo) frowned slightly, a trace of hesitation flashing in his eyes before quickly disappearing.
Then, with a hearty laugh, he bowed slightly and said:
“Of course, Your Holiness. However, the Dean is currently in the middle of teaching. I fear it might not be the most convenient time.”
“Oh? Then why, Elder Chrysanthemum, instead of simply observing alongside him, have you gone so far as to seal off the entire Academy beneath a barrier?”
Bibi Dong’s gaze locked onto Chrysanthemum Douluo, and her heart gave a faint tremor.
It almost seemed… as if Chrysanthemum Douluo had begun to drift outside her control.
Originally, her plan had been to assign Chrysanthemum Douluo to Lin Fan’s side, monitoring his every move on her behalf.
But now, it looked like Chrysanthemum Douluo wasn’t just neutral—he might even be standing on Lin Fan’s side.
Could it be that Chrysanthemum Douluo had already been won over by Lin Fan?
Impossible. Given Chrysanthemum Douluo’s lifelong loyalty and contributions to Spirit Hall, how could he be swayed by some unknown outsider in such a short time?
Among her subordinates, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were the most steadfast. They had followed her for years, dedicating everything to Spirit Hall. Betrayal from either of them was unthinkable.
Bibi Dong’s eyes narrowed. Just as she was preparing to probe further, Chrysanthemum Douluo glanced around cautiously before stepping closer to her side. He leaned in and whispered:
“Your Holiness… I have discovered something unusual.”
Bibi Dong’s voice dropped to a dangerous hush.
“What kind of unusual?”
“This new power’s method of ‘training’ doesn’t focus on guiding soul masters to cultivate faster. Instead… it directly strengthens the soul master’s body.”
Bibi Dong’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes flickering with calculation.
She quickly grasped the implication and asked with rare solemnity:
“Are you certain?”
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded firmly. “That much I am certain of. Beyond this, I haven’t yet uncovered further details. I ask Your Holiness to give me more time.”
Bibi Dong slowly exhaled, her suspicions toward Chrysanthemum Douluo melting away.
In fact, she even felt a flicker of guilt. How could she doubt a veteran elder of Spirit Hall?
Even if Serpent Spear Douluo and others had defected in the past, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo would never even consider such treachery.
Strengthening the soul master’s body… that in itself was an extraordinary method.
On the Douluo Continent, a soul master’s physical strength directly impacted combat ability. Yet methods of body refinement were scarce. Even the Elephant Armored Sect, famed for physical power, only produced soul masters whose bodies were marginally stronger than their peers. When facing true geniuses, they still often fell short—sometimes fatally.
But if Spirit Hall’s Golden Generation could be physically enhanced… their strength could leap dramatically.
As for improving innate soul power rank—Bibi Dong didn’t even dare to imagine it.
Innate soul power determined a soul master’s potential ceiling. To raise it after awakening? That was unheard of. If true, it bordered on blasphemy against the very laws of heaven and earth.
Bibi Dong was about to press further when, from the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a figure approaching.
She composed herself, smoothing her expression and posture before turning her gaze toward the slowly arriving Lin Fan.
Lin Fan approached with unhurried steps, bowing slightly when he reached her.
“Your Holiness, forgive me. I did not know you would come in person—please pardon the inadequate welcome.”
“No need,” Bibi Dong replied with faint authority. “I merely wished to see how you’ve been guiding these students.”
As she spoke, she casually brushed a lock of hair from her temple. The sunlight gilded her pale, delicate skin, while her regal attire only added to her allure.
She was at once noble and breathtakingly beautiful.
For a brief instant, Lin Fan was lost in her presence. But he quickly recovered, answering evenly:
“These methods are, of course, confidential. But Your Holiness may rest assured—soon, you will see results that satisfy you.”
Bibi Dong nodded, then continued:
“In truth, I came today for another matter. The Continental Soul Master Elite Tournament will soon begin. It will be hosted here in Spirit City.”
“The championship finals will be held directly before Spirit Hall itself. Every great power across the continent will attend to witness the event.”
As she spoke, her eyes drilled into Lin Fan’s face, searching for any flicker of reaction.
With so many forces gathering in Spirit City, no matter how powerful the hidden faction behind Lin Fan was, surely something would slip.
But to her frustration, Lin Fan’s expression remained utterly calm, like an unmoved mountain. Not even a ripple betrayed his thoughts.
So Bibi Dong pressed further:
“Spirit Hall, as the holy land of all soul masters, will of course field its own team. At present, our representatives are none other than the six students under your tutelage.”
“I expect them to not only secure victory, but to leave the continent in awe—so that the name of Spirit Hall resounds louder than ever before. Can you achieve this for me?”
Lin Fan chuckled softly. “Does Your Holiness doubt Spirit Hall’s ability to claim the championship?”
“Of course not,” Bibi Dong replied proudly. “Across this continent, there are no talents brighter than ours. Not the empires, not any sect—none can match Spirit Hall.”
She raised her chin with regal confidence.
“This tournament’s final victor will be Spirit Hall. But I want more than victory—I want a spectacle that will shake the entire continent. Do you understand my meaning?”
Inwardly, Lin Fan nearly laughed aloud.
Even in the original timeline, Spirit Hall hadn’t won the championship. The so-called Golden Generation collapsed in the face of Tang San, outmatched and humiliated.
Now, Tang San had become host to the Zerg Overmind itself. His strength would only be greater than before.
Without Lin Fan’s intervention, Spirit Hall’s defeat would have been even more disastrous.
As for whether Tang San would still end up in Shrek Academy, Lin Fan merely smiled to himself.
Never underestimate the self-correcting force of destiny…
He clasped his hands and said confidently:
“Rest assured, Your Holiness. These six are enough. I promise they will deliver results worthy of your expectations.”
Bibi Dong inclined her head. “Good. That is what I wished to hear. In three days, the promised resources will be delivered to your Academy. Consider it your rightful reward.”
“You honor us, Your Holiness,” Lin Fan replied smoothly.
“No, this is no more than you deserve.”
As Bibi Dong turned and departed, Lin Fan’s crimson eyes shimmered with an unfathomable light.
It’s almost time. This continent… will soon belong to me.
Beside him, Chrysanthemum Douluo’s own eyes briefly flickered with the same scarlet glow. He lowered his head respectfully.
****
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