Doulou Dalu 18

As if sensing Bibi Dong's deep emotions, Lin Fan, standing in the depths of the Star Dou Forest, clenched his fists and made a firm promise in his heart.

"Bibi Dong, don't worry. Within three months, I will take you away from the Spirit Hall. That child is not just yours—he is mine too."

Fueled by the power of Blood Demon's Wrath, Lin Fan felt more confident than ever. He opened his system panel to check his current stats.

Character: Lin Fan

Health: 4000

Defense: 400

Attack: 1300

Soul Power: 400

Speed: 200

Mental Strength: 100

Without equipment bonuses, Lin Fan's base attack power was 300, and his health was 1000. Thanks to the enhancements from Shadow Blade and Blood Demon's Wrath, his attack had increased by a staggering 1000 points.

"This is more than three times my original attack power," Lin Fan mused. "Even without activating Super Blood Rage, my raw strength already surpasses that of a Level 40 Soul Sect."

However, he lacked a precise method to compare his stats to others. Unlike him, they didn't have a system to quantify their abilities. He could only make rough estimates.

"Even if someone else is Level 40, their attack power wouldn't suddenly triple like mine. But martial spirits play a huge role… Some power-type martial spirits can outmatch those ten levels above them."

His gaze drifted toward Tang Yiran, who was watching him with deep, unreadable eyes.

Lin Fan knew her attack power far exceeded that of an ordinary Level 70 Soul Saint. She was exceptional, not just in strength but in temperament—strict yet kind, distant yet warm.

He shook off the thoughts. Right now, his focus was on finding the right soul beast for his third ring.

Suddenly, his eyes locked onto a Blue Poison Scorpion crawling along a tree branch. It was massive—about the size of two full-grown men—and its twin pincers dripped with lethal venom.

Tang Yiran quickly spoke up.

"Xiao Fan, that scorpion is at least a thousand years old. Do you want its soul ring?"

Lin Fan considered for a moment before nodding. "Yes. My Purple Flame Tiger already boosts my attack, and I have the Shadow Battle Axe. A pure attack-based skill wouldn't help much. But poison… that's exactly what I need."

Tang Yiran's lips curled slightly. "A good choice. Blue Poison Scorpions are among the most venomous soul beasts under five thousand years."

Lin Fan smiled. "Then I'll take it."

The scorpion noticed him and screeched, releasing a mist of venom. Lin Fan dodged effortlessly, his reflexes sharper than ever.

With a quick leap, he activated his Purple Flame Tiger ability. A spectral fire tiger roared behind him as purple flames engulfed his fists.

"Bang!"

He punched the scorpion with full force. It didn't even have time to scream—its body shattered into flaming pieces, utterly destroyed in one blow.

Silence.

Everyone—Tang Yiran, Liu Erlong, Shui Yue'er, and Ye Keke—stared at him in disbelief.

Liu Erlong was the first to break the silence. "One hit? A 1,500-year-old Blue Poison Scorpion… shattered into pieces?"

Tang Yiran's expression grew serious. "And he didn't even use his second martial spirit."

Liu Erlong nodded, stunned. "I have the Fire Dragon martial spirit, which gives me top-tier physical strength. Even if I used my second spirit skill, I couldn't destroy that scorpion in one punch. At best, I'd injure it."

Tang Yiran's gaze softened as she studied Lin Fan.

"Just how many secrets is he hiding…?"

Meanwhile, Lin Fan focused on absorbing the spirit ring. A golden glow surrounded him as the Blue Poison Scorpion's power merged into his body.

When he finished, his third soul skill materialized.

Poison Flame Impact: Releases a stream of venom-infused purple flames that paralyze the enemy, rapidly depleting their physical and mental strength.

Lin Fan grinned. "Perfect."

Liu Erlong stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. "Xiao Fan, your attack power is insane. Is it really all from your first martial spirit?"

Lin Fan chuckled. "Mostly. Since both my martial spirits are offense-oriented, my base attack is far stronger than normal. Even though I didn't summon my second martial spirit, its passive attributes are still boosting me."

Liu Erlong nodded in admiration. "Twin martial spirits are truly unfair… You're incredible, Xiao Fan."

Tang Yiran, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Now that you have your third spirit ring, we should leave the Star Dou Forest. It's dangerous to linger here, especially with the Spirit Hall and other sects hunting soul beasts nearby."

But Lin Fan shook his head.

"Not yet, Teacher. I still need a ten-thousand-year spirit ring—for my second martial spirit."

Tang Yiran's eyes widened. "What?! Lin Fan, do you understand the risk? The first person in history with twin martial spirits died because he tried to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring too early."

Lin Fan smiled reassuringly. "I know, Teacher. But my second martial spirit isn't like others. It's a weapon spirit, not a beast spirit, so it won't attach to my body the same way. Even if I absorb a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, it won't harm me."

Tang Yiran hesitated. "That… shouldn't be possible…"

Lin Fan pressed on. "Teacher, at least let me try. If it's too much, you can stop me."

Tang Yiran sighed deeply, conflicted. "If we go deeper into the forest, we may run into Soul Beasts over ten thousand years old. We could also encounter other powerful soul masters—some of whom wouldn't hesitate to kill us for our spirit rings. My soul power is already depleted from earlier battles, so if we run into trouble, I might not be able to protect you."

Before Lin Fan could respond, a soft voice spoke up.

"Teacher… I can restore your soul power."

It was Ye Keke. Her Nine-Hearted Begonia martial spirit specialized in healing.

Tang Yiran patted her head gently. "Keke, your level is still low. You can restore their spirit power, but for someone at my level, it's barely one or two percent."

Ye Keke lowered her head. "Even so… I want to help Lin Fan."

Liu Erlong stepped forward. "I'll go too. Xiao Fan helped me before—I won't let him face this alone."

Shui Yue'er glanced at Lin Fan and scoffed. "I don't care about him. But I do care about getting stronger. So I'll come."

Tang Yiran sighed. "Fine… We go together. But everyone must be careful. Xiao Fan, stay close to Ye Keke."

As they began their journey deeper into the forest, Lin Fan found himself walking beside Tang Yiran. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Teacher… Thank you."

Tang Yiran turned away slightly, a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Why do I feel so strange around him? He's only fourteen… But when he talks like that, he seems so mature."

Lin Fan, unaware of her thoughts, simply smiled.

"I promise, I'll protect you."

Tang Yiran's heart skipped a beat.

She quickly shook off the feeling.

"I must be imagining things…"

Yet, as they ventured deeper into the forest, she found herself stealing glances at Lin Fan more often than before.