Doulou Dalu 93

Lin Fan quickly put on an awkward expression and said, "I don't know, Miss. You didn't even tell me their names—how could I possibly recognize them?"

As he spoke, he gently squeezed Bibi Dong's hand and stole a glance at her. In Douluo Dalu, they probably didn't understand that "Miss" could be used flirtatiously. Fortunately, Bibi Dong didn't seem angry—what a relief.

"Oh, right! You guys don't know their names yet." Ah Yin suddenly realized her mistake and flashed a pure smile. Gazing at the deep night sky, she said,

"My sworn elder brother is Tang Xiao, and my second brother is Tang Hao. They seem to be quite famous in the empire, but I don't really know much about them. Even though they're always busy, they visit me from time to time and enjoy the fruits I grow here..."

Ah Yin's voice was clear and gentle, tinged with a slight longing. She had probably lived here alone for a long time. Before Tang Xiao and Tang Hao appeared in her life, she must have been quite lonely.

Lin Fan observed Ah Yin carefully. I wonder if she has feelings for Tang Hao yet... But one thing was certain—both Tang Hao and Tang Xiao had definitely fallen for her. The way they took turns secretly visiting her without letting the other know—it was amusing.

"What? Your brothers are Tang Xiao and Tang Hao?"

Bibi Dong was suddenly startled, her fingers trembling slightly as she stared at Ah Yin in shock.

Lin Fan quickly reacted, lowering his voice. "It's fine, Dong'er. We don't even know them personally..."

He felt a wave of relief. Luckily, Bibi Dong was just momentarily surprised and didn't catch him sneaking glances at Ah Yin. Otherwise, he might not be getting any sleep tonight.

Bibi Dong understood Lin Fan's hint. She lowered her gaze and quietly nibbled on a piece of fruit without saying more.

Ah Yin looked at them with a hint of suspicion, then shifted her gaze back to Lin Fan. She wasn't foolish—she could tell that the two of them were hiding something. However, she chose not to dwell on it and instead smiled lightly.

"It's alright. I don't have many friends. Aside from my two brothers, the only company I have here is the flowers, plants, and adorable soul beasts."

She stood up and walked gracefully among the blue silver grass. A few birds fluttered down, perching gently on her hand.

"You see how cute they are?" Ah Yin whispered. "If possible, I'd love to protect them, to keep them from harm."

Her blue dress swayed in the wind, revealing her snow-white legs and flawless skin.

She really is like a fairy, Lin Fan thought, admiring her from afar. Ah Yin wasn't the kind of girl who evoked impure thoughts; instead, she made people want to protect her.

Now it made sense why Tang Hao and Tang Xiao had fallen for her. As warriors who had lived through countless battles, being around Ah Yin must have felt like finding a sanctuary of peace.

This place, Ah Yin's world, was a refuge.

"You seem quite fascinated," came a cold voice.

Lin Fan snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see Bibi Dong looking at him icily.

Without hesitation, he slid closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning against her. "Nothing, Dong'er. Don't misunderstand. I was just using my Heavenly Eye to observe her, checking if there was anything suspicious about her."

Feeling Lin Fan clinging to her again, Bibi Dong softened a little. Deep down, she did love him. She liked hearing him call her "Dong'er."

She gently held his hand in return. "And? What did you find?" she asked in a low voice.

Lin Fan chuckled and rested his head on her shoulder. "Nothing much. She's truly a kind-hearted girl, older than both of us. There's no harm in befriending her. Who knows? She might even be able to help us in the future."

Ah Yin sat back down, cradling the little birds in her hands. She watched Lin Fan and Bibi Dong, a complex expression in her eyes.

"Having these soul beasts as company, I've lived happily here. Thank you both for visiting me today."

Lin Fan smiled. "No need to thank us, Ah Yin. Dong'er and I would love to be your friends."

"Really?" Ah Yin's eyes lit up with happiness. "That's wonderful! But... I don't have much to offer. I can only serve you these fruits."

Her innocent smile was as pure as the morning dew. However, Lin Fan noticed something in her gaze—a hint of longing, perhaps even a shadow of someone she was thinking about.

Was she already starting to feel something for Tang Hao?

Ah Yin's emotions toward Tang Hao were bound to develop, or else she wouldn't have sacrificed herself for him. However, this was still a few years before those events. If she did like Tang Hao, it was likely only in its early stages.

If Lin Fan wanted to, he could intervene... but should he?

If I take her first, will Tang San still be born? Lin Fan shook his head, snapping out of that dangerous thought.

What am I even thinking?

No—Ah Yin wasn't the type to easily change her heart. And besides, Bibi Dong was pregnant with his child. He had to have some principles. If he wanted more wives in the future, he would need to discuss it with Bibi Dong first. She was his priority.

"Don't worry, Ah Yin. These fruits are delicious. Dong'er and I love them," Lin Fan said warmly.

After some more small talk and finishing the fruit, Lin Fan gently helped Bibi Dong to her feet.

"Alright, Dong'er. We should go. If we return too late, Xiao Wu will start worrying."

Bibi Dong nodded. "Mm…"

Lin Fan's thoughtfulness touched her. Whenever she saw his gentle side, whenever she heard his voice, her once-cold heart melted a little.

Bibi Dong wasn't a weak woman. She was ruthless, willing to do anything to achieve her goals. That hadn't changed. Alone, she still plotted her revenge, still harbored the desire to kill those who had wronged her.

But Lin Fan was different. He was the only one who made her feel safe, the only one she wanted to protect.

Lin Fan squeezed her hand reassuringly, then turned to Ah Yin.

"Ah Yin, it's getting late. Dong'er and I have to leave, but we'll visit you again soon."

Ah Yin smiled softly. "I understand. Just like my brothers, you both have your own lives. Don't worry—I'll always be here."

As night fell over the Star Dou Forest, Lin Fan and Bibi Dong made their way back through the dense woods. However, they soon spotted several Spirit Hall guards searching for them.

Lin Fan tightened his grip on Bibi Dong's hand.

Now that their soul power was fully restored, they had nothing to fear.

Moving like shadows, they approached the guards. Lin Fan summoned his Dark Shadow Battle Axe.

Before the guards even noticed their presence, their throats were slit, blood spraying into the air.

The last remaining guard turned in horror. "It's the Saintess! I found—"

Before he could finish, Lin Fan's blade silenced him. A strange purple flame ignited his body, consuming him in eerie silence.

His final screams were muffled by the flames.

Without a sound, Lin Fan and Bibi Dong disappeared into the night, heading back toward Xiao Wu's location.

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