Doulou Dalu 25

"Well, I know. There shouldn't be another Soul Emperor at the age of eighteen in the current continent."

Lin Fan sighed, realizing that among Liu Erlong's generation, Bibi Dong's talent was truly unparalleled.

The further a soul master progresses in their cultivation, the more difficult advancement becomes. Once reaching the Soul King level or beyond, it typically takes years to gain just one more level.

Tang Yiran, as a young lady of the esteemed Haotian Sect, had access to abundant cultivation resources. Even so, she only reached the Soul Emperor level at the age of twenty-five. Lin Fan recalled that in the original story, Tang San had countless advantages, yet he only reached level sixty at seventeen. This fact alone proved that Bibi Dong was the most gifted soul master of her generation.

"That's right. My talent is nowhere near hers," Tang Yiran admitted before shifting her gaze to Lin Fan. "Xiaofan, are you sure you want to participate?"

Lin Fan nodded seriously. "Yes, Sister Yiran. I want to compete, not just to meet her, but to challenge myself and face the top geniuses of the soul master world."

Lin Fan didn't hide his feelings for Bibi Dong, but he didn't expect Tang Yiran's expression to dim. She lowered her head slightly, making it impossible for Lin Fan to see her face.

"What's wrong, Sister Yiran?" Lin Fan asked curiously.

"It's nothing." Tang Yiran lifted her head, her expression returning to normal. "I told you about the Soul Master World Elite Competition because I knew you wanted to meet her. However, our Haotian Sect's team has already been decided. You're still young, and your soul power is only at level 30. You're not suited for the competition."

Lin Fan was taken aback. "The team is already set?"

Tang Yiran sighed. "Yes. Even though I acknowledge your strength, my elder brother doesn't. He won't allow someone with 'insufficient' power to represent the Haotian Sect. This competition is crucial—it determines the reputation of our sect in the soul master world. For five years, we haven't won the championship, but we've consistently placed in the top three."

Lin Fan quickly responded, "Don't worry, I won't hold back the Haotian Sect. I've already defeated a Soul Emperor in the Star Dou Great Forest. Erlong and Keke have soul power above level 40—let them join me. I believe the Sect Master will acknowledge our strength."

Tang Yiran hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fine. You, Keke, Erlong, and Shui Yue'er will be the inner disciples I've selected. In three days, I'll arrange a challenge. You four will face off against the two lowest-ranking combat soul masters, one auxiliary soul master, and one control soul master from our original seven-member team. If you win, you take their places."

"Thank you, Sister Yiran!" Lin Fan said gratefully.

The Soul Master Elite Competition was a month away, giving Lin Fan enough time to reach Bibi Dong at the Spirit Hall. More importantly, he could see her during the tournament, giving them a chance to plan her escape.

Lin Fan knew Bibi Dong wanted to leave the Spirit Hall. He also understood that breaking her out would require careful planning. If he failed, he would die. If he succeeded, they would be fugitives. No one could help him in this battle—it was too dangerous. Aiding him would mean certain death for their clan, as the Spirit Hall would hunt them down.

Tang Yiran stood up suddenly. "Do you realize that the weakest members of our original team, apart from the auxiliary master, are all Soul Kings? Even the lowest-ranking ones are above level 50. Do you still have confidence?"

Lin Fan met her gaze without hesitation. "I understand how strong they are, but I still want to try."

Tang Yiran sighed. "You're just fourteen years old, Xiaofan. Why the rush? Three days from now, I'll let you meet the others. If they agree, you can challenge them. If not, you'll have to challenge a combat soul master alone."

"No problem! I knew Teacher Yiran was the best!" Lin Fan grinned.

Tang Yiran gently touched his face and smiled. "Alright. You can stay and enjoy the flowers, or go back and prepare."

Lin Fan chose to stay a while. "I'll keep you company, Sister Yiran. It must be lonely in such a big yard."

Tang Yiran's eyes lit up with joy. "You're willing to stay with me, Xiaofan?"

She took his hand and led him to the backyard, where the garden was filled with flowers and small, adorable soul beasts. The room inside was luxurious, with a guqin, paintings, and a soul guide that played soothing melodies.

Tang Yiran played the piano while Lin Fan sat on the sofa, listening to the music and admiring the flowers. The moment was peaceful—but Lin Fan knew it wouldn't last.

In three days, the real test would begin. The upcoming battle was brutal, and after that, he had to break into the Spirit Hall to rescue Bibi Dong. Failure meant death. Even if he succeeded, his journey as a fugitive would begin.

That evening, Lin Fan finally left Tang Yiran's yard. Before he could go far, she called out to him.

Lin Fan turned. "What's wrong, Sister Yiran?"

Tang Yiran smiled. "Thank you, Xiaofan. Today was truly a happy day for me."

"Me too." Lin Fan smiled back. "I'll be off now—I need to plan for the battle."

As Lin Fan walked away, Tang Yiran watched him silently. After a while, she murmured, "No matter what happens, even if you break into the Spirit Hall, I will stand by your side."

She had figured out what Lin Fan intended. From his encounter with Bibi Dong in the Star Dou Great Forest, it was clear that she also wished to leave the Spirit Hall.

Back in his dormitory, Lin Fan decided to use his two lottery chances. However, the first draw nearly made him collapse in frustration.

He had won a Daji, Charming Vegas skin experience card—usable for seven days.

"What the hell, Ling'er?!" Lin Fan complained.

Ling'er, his system assistant, replied, "The skin experience card transforms your martial soul or weapon to match the skin's appearance, increasing spell power by 10 points. It may not provide a huge boost, but it looks stylish and can confuse opponents. Some skins also enhance the visual effects of soul skills."

"What nonsense! This is such a scam!" Lin Fan grumbled.

The idea of summoning Daji as his martial soul in battle seemed ridiculous. However, if it could distract his opponents, it might be useful.

"Forget it," Lin Fan muttered. "I'll save my last draw for three days later."

Three Days Later

Lin Fan arrived at Tang Yiran's yard again, where Liu Erlong, Ye Keke, and Shui Yue'er were already waiting.

The battle was about to begin.