Doulou Dalu 43

The Haotian Sect and all the major sects and families from across the continent were present. The Spirit Hall was not officially considered a demonic sect, although its actions behind the scenes often mirrored those of one. Some of its more radical members had even aligned themselves with known dark factions. However, in the eyes of the world, the Spirit Hall remained a respected institution, a sacred place for soul masters to train and grow. Its contributions to the development of the soul master community ensured that many still willingly served under its banner.

Lin Fan stepped onto the stage with confidence. He knew that Qian Xunji, the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall, wouldn't dare attack him openly on Fighting Soul Mountain. As of now, he had done nothing to provoke the Spirit Hall—he had not even pursued Saintess Bibi Dong. If Spirit Hall were to target him, the Haotian Sect would undoubtedly intervene.

As he stood on the platform, Lin Fan could feel the admiring gazes of the female disciples from various sects. He smirked, enjoying the attention.

His charisma far surpassed that of Tang San, who only gained admiration through sheer strength. Lin Fan, on the other hand, simply had to stand there—his looks and presence alone were enough to captivate the crowd. It was almost unfair.

Even Yu Xiaogang, once revered for his wisdom, had been utterly overshadowed. Ever since Lin Fan had entered Bibi Dong's life, Yu Xiaogang had become nothing more than a forgotten figure in her heart.

Soon, Lin Fan's opponents arrived—the seven members of the Nebula Hall. As they stepped onto the stage, a nervous energy filled the air. Most of them had only entered the competition for the chance to fight alongside Tang Huo'er, a known prodigy. They believed that, as long as they weren't fighting demonic sect disciples, their lives wouldn't be in danger.

However, when they saw that their opponent was Lin Fan instead, their courage wavered.

Lin Fan's expression grew cold as he approached them. The arena had not yet been sealed, meaning the match hadn't officially begun. He took slow, deliberate steps toward them and spoke in a chilling voice:

"You think you can challenge me? Now that you're here, you won't be leaving so easily. I stepped onto this stage to experience what it feels like… to take a life."

The Nebula Hall members instinctively stepped back, fear creeping into their eyes. Their captain hesitated before stammering, "Brother from the Haotian Sect, may I ask… what is your soul power level?"

Lin Fan smirked and spoke with feigned arrogance. "Me? I am at level 59, just like my senior sister. And this… is my Clear Sky Axe."

With that, he summoned the Shadow Battle Axe, a ten-thousand-year soul ring flashing around him. This was a modified soul ring, enhanced beyond normal limits.

As quickly as he had summoned his weapon, he dismissed it, making the dark soul ring disappear.

The Nebula Hall members were in shock.

"Level 59?! A ten-thousand-year soul ring?!"

Their captain immediately dropped to his knees. "Brother, please, we don't want to fight anymore! We forfeit!"

The remaining six disciples exchanged glances before following their captain's lead, kneeling in surrender. Their strongest member was only level 46—there was no way they could challenge a Soul King, especially one from the Haotian Sect.

They hadn't even doubted Lin Fan's claim. After all, the Haotian Sect had always been shrouded in mystery. And with a ten-thousand-year soul ring, how could they question his level?

Lin Fan folded his arms and sneered. "Hmph. If you want to leave, each of you must kowtow and call me 'Father.' Otherwise…" He let his words linger, his gaze filled with cold amusement.

The captain clenched his jaw before quickly lowering his head to the ground. "D-Dad..." he muttered.

One by one, the others followed suit, calling Lin Fan "Dad" in front of the entire audience.

The arena had not yet been sealed, meaning their voices were amplified for all spectators to hear. Normally, this phase was meant for soul masters to declare their martial spirits and levels before the battle began. Instead, it had become a humiliating spectacle.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy.

"Level 59?! Incredible! Has the Haotian Sect produced another genius like Tang Huo'er?"

"So strong!"

"As expected of someone from the Haotian team!"

Lin Fan held back his laughter, maintaining a cold and imposing demeanor.

"Very well," he said. "You may leave. I'm in a good mood today. Next time, you won't be so lucky."

"Thank you, Brother—uh, I mean… thank you, Dad!"

The captain bowed once more before scrambling off the stage with his teammates.

The announcer on the floating platform blinked in surprise. "The match has concluded before it even began… Haotian Sect wins!"

As Lin Fan turned to leave, a new announcement rang out.

"Since the previous match ended prematurely, the Haotian Sect will immediately proceed to their next match against the Dog Beating Sect. Contestants, please step onto the stage."

Lin Fan paused and raised an eyebrow. "Dog Beating Sect? What kind of name is that?"

With a shrug, he returned to the center of the ring. "Fine. I'll fight alone again."

In the VIP section, Qian Xunji's expression darkened. He leaned toward one of his guards and whispered, "Inform the Dog Beating Sect that Lin Fan is no Soul King—he's no higher than level 35. If they kill him, Spirit Hall will reward them handsomely."

The guard nodded and disappeared.

Moments later, the seven members of the Dog Beating Sect arrived on stage, clad in tattered robes reminiscent of beggars.

Lin Fan smirked. "You dare challenge a Soul King dressed like that?"

The Dog Beating Sect captain sneered. "You're no Soul King. You're a mere Soul Master—level 35 at most. The Haotian Sect sent a fraud!"

Lin Fan's eyes narrowed. Who leaked that information?

The captain grinned. "If you're truly a Soul King, then show us all your spirit rings."

Lin Fan sighed dramatically before releasing his first martial spirit, the Purple Flame Tiger. Three soul rings materialized around him.

The crowd gasped.

"He's only a Soul Master?!"

"He tricked the Nebula Hall into surrendering!"

"He made them call him 'Dad' for nothing!"

The male disciples booed, but the female spectators remained enamored.

"He's so smart. He won without even fighting!"

"He's handsome. Who cares if he lied?"

Lin Fan simply smiled.

The Dog Beating Sect members released their martial spirits—dog-beating sticks—while their spirit rings appeared. Three were Soul Sects, and the remaining four were Soul Masters.

Lin Fan suddenly sprinted toward the edge of the arena.

"He's trying to escape! After him!" the captain roared.

Three Soul Sects lunged at him, weapons raised. But just as their sticks swung down, Lin Fan vanished from sight.

"What the—"

Before they could react, Lin Fan reappeared behind them, delivering a swift kick that sent all three flying off the stage.

The remaining disciples hesitated.

Lin Fan grabbed one of their sticks and smirked. "Looks like you dogs are the ones being beaten."

The disciple yelped, "I-I'm sorry, Dad!"

In the VIP stands, Qian Xunji clenched his teeth.

"This boy… I want him dead."

Bibi Dong, however, simply smiled, watching Lin Fan with quiet amusement.

"If he were by my side, I wouldn't feel so lonely anymore…"