Doulou Dalu 37

Lin Fan's eyes had never been as resolute as they were at this moment.

He hadn't slept for an entire day and night. Instead, he had been training relentlessly, contemplating his techniques, and absorbing the soul energy that filled the peak of Douhun Mountain. Lin Fan was confident that he could break through to the next level on the final day of the competition.

This meant he would have three chances to draw a lottery. Additionally, if he faced Bibi Dong in battle, he might trigger a special task. He had already completed two tasks before—saving the goddess and touching the goddess. What kind of task would appear this time?

Clenching his fists, Lin Fan muttered to himself, I may not lose yet. After the competition, whether I can successfully take Bibi Dong away and change my fate as a lifelong single man depends on these lottery chances.

"Ling'er, you must help me. If not, you'll never see your master again," he pleaded inwardly.

Suddenly, Ling'er's voice echoed in his mind. "What? Master wants to draw a lottery? You still have one unused chance!"

Lin Fan responded coldly, "Not now." He had long given up hope on this so-called system. Ling'er always sounded cute, but she never cared whether he lived or died. Even when he was on the brink of death, all she would do was repeat those same two lines.

"Does the host want to draw a prize?"

"The host still has an unused lottery chance."

Lin Fan sighed. Instead of dwelling on it, he felt a strange sense of calm. What was there to fear? Even if he died, he might just return to his old life, playing King of Glory.

Thinking about this, Lin Fan relaxed and started humming a tune from his past life. He remembered how he had almost reached Star Glory rank, only to lose five matches in a row. He had been so frustrated that he kept playing, and then... his phone exploded, transporting him to this world.

"Xiao Fan seems to be fine..."

Liu Erlong observed him with a puzzled expression.

Tang Huo'er glanced at Lin Fan, curling her lips. "This guy looked like he was about to die a moment ago. Now he's singing? Something's definitely wrong with him."

"Forget it. I'm used to it." Liu Erlong sighed.

Lin Fan paid no mind to their comments. Instead, he gazed at Tang Huo'er's tall, curvaceous figure and casually remarked, "Senior Sister, your legs are so long. How is a girl supposed to get married if she's this tall?"

Before he could react, a powerful force struck him, sending him flying forward. He crashed to the ground, pain jolting through his body.

Looking up, Lin Fan realized that Tang Huo'er had thrown him from the back of the group to the very front—right in front of the sect elders and the sect leader.

Tang Hao happened to glance back. Panicked, Lin Fan quickly scrambled to his feet and dashed back to his original position. His face burned with embarrassment.

"Damn, that girl is too fast. I didn't even have time to use my skills!"

Realizing that Tang Huo'er wasn't someone to mess with, Lin Fan wisely kept his mouth shut.

The Competition Begins

The Haotian Sect's team entered the grand complex at the peak of Douhun Mountain. The buildings were elegant and traditional, with sprawling courtyards and intricate pavilions. A middle-aged man greeted Tang Xiao and Tang Hao respectfully before leading them into the manor.

Soon, other major sects and noble families began arriving, settling into their respective accommodations. The manor complex could house tens of thousands of people, but only the most influential sects and families were permitted to stay inside. Smaller factions had to camp outside.

The Soul Master Elite Competition had strict rules—no one was allowed to attack outside the arena. Even if a disciple from one's sect was killed in battle, revenge could only be taken after leaving the mountain.

The Haotian Sect occupied two attics within the manor complex. That night, Lin Fan continued his rigorous training, his mind focused on the challenges ahead.

The following morning, the competition officially began. The arena was a vast plain at the mountaintop, surrounded by grandstands where powerful sects gathered to watch the battles. The tournament featured four massive arenas, each reinforced with soul guides and materials strong enough to withstand a Soul Saint's attacks.

Sixty-four sects and noble families were competing. To qualify, smaller factions had to prove their worth by having at least seven Soul Masters under the age of eighteen. The competition was divided into two stages:

1. Preliminary Round: A points-based system that determined the top sixteen teams over ten days.

2. Final Round: A knockout stage where the losing team was immediately eliminated.

Each team could send a maximum of seven participants, and once a roster was confirmed, it couldn't be changed.

Lin Fan, seated with the Haotian team, scanned the VIP section but didn't spot Bibi Dong. The Spirit Hall elders were present, but Qian Xunji was nowhere to be seen—perhaps he wasn't interested in the first round.

The Haotian team had three scheduled matches on the first day. Two opponents surrendered immediately. Their third match was in the afternoon, so they took the opportunity to watch other battles.

"Now, two matches will take place simultaneously. The first match is between the Demon Sect and the Qingyun Sect. The second match is between the Ice Phoenix Family and the Crazy War Family. Contestants, please enter the arena!"

A female announcer's voice echoed from a floating platform above the arenas. She held a soul guide microphone, and amplifying devices ensured her voice reached every corner of the venue.

"Demon Sect?"

Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. The Demon Sect was notorious as the largest evil soul master alliance, thriving on slaughter and absorbing others' soul power. Their members were feared across the continent.

Tang Huo'er remained unfazed. "As long as they're in Douhun Mountain, Demon Sect disciples can participate. No one is allowed to attack them outside the ring. But when they meet Haotian Sect or the Spirit Hall, they usually surrender. Last year, they tried to drain my soul power with a seven-man attack, but I killed five of them instead."

Lin Fan gave her an admiring look. "Well done, Senior Sister."

The match began. The Demon Sect sent three contestants, while the Qingyun Sect fielded all seven.

One of the Demon Sect members, a Soul Sect with a Bloodthirsty Bat martial soul, moved instantly. In a flash, he tore into a Qingyun Sect disciple's throat. Blood sprayed, and the body collapsed lifelessly.

"Junior Brother!"

The remaining six Qingyun Sect disciples charged, but their martial spirits were weaker. The Demon Sect warriors wielded terrifying beast spirits—bloodthirsty bats and dark crows. They moved like shadows, swiftly killing four more opponents.

The last two Qingyun Sect disciples tried to flee, but the Demon Sect members encircled them.

"You think you can run?" One of them sneered. "Since you refused to surrender, prepare to die."

The Bloodthirsty Bat user lunged at another disciple, sinking his fangs into his neck. The young soul master's agonized scream lasted mere seconds before he was drained dry.

"MY SON!"

A middle-aged man, likely the disciple's father, rushed forward in fury. But as soon as he hit the golden barrier surrounding the arena, his body shattered into pieces. He died instantly.

Meanwhile, the Demon Sect finished draining the remaining Qingyun Sect members. The Bloodthirsty Bat user grinned. "All seven are dead. The match is over."

The female announcer's voice rang out, disturbingly indifferent. "The first match is concluded. The Demon Sect is victorious. The barrier is now lifted. Please proceed to the next match."

Lin Fan's stomach churned. He had seen bloodshed before, but the sheer brutality of this tournament was unsettling.

Liu Erlong stood up angrily. "This is inhumane! How can you just watch your fellow disciples be slaughtered and do nothing?"

Beside her, Ye Keke lowered her head, trembling.

Lin Fan remained silent, his heart heavy. This was a world where strength ruled all, and mercy was a luxury few could afford.