Doulou Dalu 39

The seven warriors from the Yu Clan stepped onto the stage. All of them were tall and imposing, clad in heavy iron armor that made them look far older than their supposed sixteen or seventeen years. Standing in a tight formation, they exuded an intimidating aura.

Lin Fan knew that the Yu Clan's martial spirit was the Plate Rhinoceros, renowned as one of the most formidable defensive martial spirits on the entire Douluo Continent.

The seven warriors shared the same Plate Armor Rhino martial spirit. For the Yu Clan, external support or control-based tactics were unnecessary; their strategy relied on maximizing their martial spirit's strengths to create an impenetrable defense.

The announcer's voice echoed through the arena.

"The Yu Clan has assembled. Now, who will the Spirit Hall send? Will they allow their strongest saintess to challenge the undefeated streak in the preliminaries?"

From her elevated position, a young woman with a microphone stirred the crowd into a frenzy. The audience, composed of disciples from various prestigious families, roared with excitement.

Historically, no one had ever won a consecutive one-on-seven battle in the preliminary rounds. Most powerful sects strategically divided their fighters, keeping their strongest members in reserve. Sending a lone warrior into a battle against an entire team was not only reckless but extremely dangerous. Once the arena was sealed, no outside interference was allowed—failure meant serious injury or even death.

Despite the risks, the Spirit Hall had a history of attempting this strategy. Until last year, however, they had never succeeded. Facing strong opponents, their challengers would either fall or require reinforcements, making an undefeated streak nearly impossible.

That was, until last year.

Bibi Dong, the saintess of the Spirit Hall, had defied all expectations by winning seven consecutive matches and advancing to the finals. Tang Huo'er from the Haotian Sect had followed suit, winning six in a row. These two prodigies had since become icons for young soul masters across the continent.

Now, stepping down from the VIP section, Bibi Dong finally made her entrance.

She wore no crown, held no scepter. Dressed in a flowing silver gauze dress, her long hair cascaded gracefully down her back. Her delicate features and deep, unreadable eyes carried an air of quiet determination. Without the aura of royalty, she looked less like a ruler and more like an ethereal goddess—one who surpassed even the likes of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing in beauty.

The crowd erupted in cheers, mesmerized by her presence.

But Bibi Dong remained indifferent. She walked onto the stage with icy composure, entirely unaffected by the admiring gazes and deafening applause.

From the stands, Tang Huo'er's expression darkened. Her previous casual demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious resolve.

"Very good, Bibi Dong," she murmured to herself. "You're the only opponent who can push me to my limits. If you're still competing, then my year of hard training has been worth it."

Lin Fan, watching from the sidelines, felt a twinge of amusement.

Who would have thought? Before becoming the feared and revered Pope, Bibi Dong was already a legend in her own right. So many admired her, but they could only dream from afar.

But I, Lin Fan, have her. Soon, she will bear me a daughter as beautiful as she is…

Lost in his thoughts, Lin Fan didn't notice Tang Huo'er watching him. Without warning, she struck his leg.

"Ouch! Senior Sister, what was that for?" Lin Fan yelped, snapping back to reality. Though Tang Huo'er hadn't used any soul power, her hit was strong enough to make him wince.

She narrowed her eyes. "What are you staring at? Haven't you seen a beautiful woman before? Is she really that stunning?"

"She is… really beautiful…" Lin Fan admitted before catching Tang Huo'er's cold glare. He quickly shut his mouth.

"Hmph! Is her figure better than mine? Are her legs as long?"

It was clear that Tang Huo'er was now comparing herself to Bibi Dong. Lin Fan wisely chose to remain silent, knowing that saying the wrong thing could be dangerous.

Still, in his mind, he made a comparison. Bibi Dong's legs weren't as long as Tang Huo'er's, but her figure was equally striking. Standing over 1.7 meters tall, she had the elegance and presence of a true goddess.

"The Spirit Hall's challenger has arrived. Both sides, prepare for battle. Seal the ring!"

The host's voice snapped Lin Fan out of his thoughts. He quickly focused on the match, concern creeping into his heart as he watched Bibi Dong's cold, distant expression.

She doesn't even know I'm here. At only eighteen, she's already burdened by the expectations of the Spirit Hall, forced into loneliness and hardship. No wonder she later became so protective of Hu Liena.

Lin Fan clenched his fists. Would Bibi Dong be alright against the Yu Clan's overwhelming defense?

He didn't trust the Spirit Hall. To them, she was just a tool, someone to be used for their own prestige. If she was in real danger, Lin Fan was prepared to intervene.

That golden barrier may stop brute force, but it won't stop me. I can use my flash step to bypass it.

His gaze flickered to the VIP section, where Qian Xunji sat comfortably. Lin Fan's eyes burned with hatred.

The Spirit Hall is filled with vipers. Aside from Bibi Dong, there isn't a single good person among them. One day, Qian Xunji… I will make you suffer.

Meanwhile, on the stage, the seven warriors of the Yu Clan released their martial spirits. Colored soul rings appeared around them—five Soul Masters and two Soul Lords. A formidable lineup.

"Second soul skill: Rhino Armor!"

All seven warriors activated their second soul skill simultaneously. A thick, gray layer of armor materialized over their bodies, adding to their existing iron plating. Their defensive power was now monstrous.

Standing in a tight formation with their backs to one another, they formed what they called "absolute defense."

The captain of the Yu Clan spoke, his tone respectful yet firm.

"Saintess of the Spirit Hall, this is an unfair fight, seven against one. But given your reputation, we have no choice but to approach with caution. Forgive our offense."

Bibi Dong's voice was cold and unyielding. "Spare me your apologies. If you value your lives, leave the stage now."

As she spoke, six soul rings materialized around her.

Yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black.

The Yu Clan warriors' faces twisted in shock.

"S-Soul Emperor…?"

In the VIP section, Tang Xiao of the Haotian Sect was equally stunned.

A Soul Emperor at eighteen? Unbelievable. In just one year, she had advanced to this level and successfully absorbed her sixth soul ring.

And this… is only her first martial spirit.

Tang Hao, watching from the side, spoke calmly.

"Yan Yiran informed me that the Spirit Hall's saintess had reached the Soul Emperor level. But to avoid shaking the morale of the Haotian team, I chose not to tell Huo'er."

The tension in the arena was palpable.

The battle was about to begin.