Doulou Dalu 101

Green Lotus Sword Song, just like in the game, granted an eight-second untargetable state upon activation. During this period, the user would become completely invisible, and their weapon or martial spirit would transform into pure sword energy, striking enemies within range ten times.

If multiple targets were hit simultaneously, each subsequent target would receive 15% less damage, with a minimum reduction of 70%.

It was a pity that this was Li Bai's ultimate skill before being upgraded. While it made him invincible, it also rendered him incapable of attacking during its duration. In contrast, Strike of God seemed far superior.

However, Lin Fan knew that Strike of God had been upgraded before. If Green Lotus Sword Song could be enhanced, it might gain additional abilities.

Skills could be upgraded in three ways: using King Crystals, Glory Crystals, or by attaching them to a soul ring obtained from defeating soul beasts. In recent battles, Lin Fan had already upgraded Ruthless Charge and Drinking Skills, attaching them to a Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring.

The Star Dou Forest had an abundance of ten-thousand-year soul beasts, but upgrading ultimate skills required even stronger creatures. The Sky Eye, the Eye of Origin, and Han Xin's ultimate move, Peerless Patriot, were yet to be enhanced.

These were no ordinary skills; the former was Yang Jian's ultimate move, and the latter belonged to Han Xin. Lin Fan had learned that ultimate skills required either a 30,000-year soul ring, five King Crystals, or one Glory Crystal to be upgraded.

While 30,000-year-old soul beasts existed in the forest, defeating them alone was nearly impossible. Even the Titan Giant Ape, a 60,000-year-old beast, possessed the strength of a Titled Douluo. Any soul beast that had cultivated for over 30,000 years had an extraordinary bloodline and was at least as powerful as a Soul Sage.

During this period, Bibi Dong had needed his care, so Lin Fan had never considered asking for her help. As for Xiao Wu, that was out of the question. She detested harming soul beasts, and many of those over 30,000 years were her followers.

Now, with Green Lotus Sword Song in his arsenal, Lin Fan possessed three ultimate skills. Though none were upgraded yet, the invincibility granted by Green Lotus Sword Song made a huge difference. Combined with his other defensive abilities, Lin Fan was immune to all physical damage, except for divine attacks or soul skills that ignored defense.

Setting those thoughts aside, Lin Fan turned his attention to Bibi Dong. He retrieved twenty Intimate Roses, a rare item that increased affection between lovers, and gifted them to her.

A warm smile appeared on Bibi Dong's face as she accepted the roses. Lin Fan checked their relationship status in the Lover System—Level Two was maxed out, but a new upgrade was locked behind the second trial of the God of Love.

Shaking his head, Lin Fan redirected his focus to Kai's passive skill, Soul of Shura. It functioned similarly to its in-game counterpart: if his attacks only hit a single target within a short window, subsequent strikes would deal 50% increased damage. In a one-on-one battle, it was an overwhelming advantage, but against multiple foes, it was practically useless.

His last upgrade was Explosive Armor, which boosted his defense by 1,800 points, increased his attack power by 10%, and enhanced his movement speed by 10%.

After equipping it, Lin Fan immediately felt the surge of power coursing through his body.

Satisfied with his newfound strength, he gently held Bibi Dong's hand. He had an unsettling premonition that something significant was about to happen.

—

Three days later, in the afternoon, Lin Fan and Bibi Dong, resting in a wooden house, were jolted awake by a violent tremor.

Lin Fan rushed outside, only to find Luna holding Xiao Renxue tightly. Daji stood nearby, her expression tense. However, one person was missing—Xiao Wu.

Bibi Dong sensed the same disturbance and emerged from the wooden house, her eyes sharp and alert.

From the dense forest beyond the stream, a massive wave of soul power erupted, tearing apart countless trees.

"They're here." Bibi Dong's voice was low, trembling slightly. "The outer maze has been broken… This level of destruction could only be caused by a Titled Douluo. The Spirit Hall won't let me go."

Lin Fan's expression darkened. "So it's finally happening."

His gaze locked onto the source of the disturbance. Xiao Wu must have gone to confront them alone.

"We have to help her—" Lin Fan turned to leave, but Bibi Dong grabbed his wrist.

He looked at her, startled by the mix of determination and sorrow in her eyes.

Bibi Dong took a deep breath, her grip tightening. "They've come fully prepared. We can't win against them as we are now. They want me, but they won't kill me."

Lin Fan frowned. "What are you saying?"

Bibi Dong's voice was firm, but laced with emotion. "You must not go, Lin Fan. I'll draw their attention… You need to take our daughter and escape to a safe place."

Lin Fan clenched his fists. "No. I won't leave you behind."

"You must," Bibi Dong insisted, her violet eyes glistening with emotion. "Renxue needs you. If we fight together, we'll all be captured. But if you escape, there's hope."

The ground shook again, the battle in the distance intensifying.

Lin Fan struggled with his decision, his heart warring with his instincts. Bibi Dong's hand cupped his face, forcing him to look at her.

"I love you," she whispered. "That's why I need you to live."

For a moment, time seemed to freeze between them.

Then, determination hardened Lin Fan's gaze. "I promise… I will come back for you."

Bibi Dong nodded, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "Then go. Now."

With one last lingering glance, Lin Fan turned and ran, gripping Xiao Renxue tightly. The battle for their future had begun.