Doulou Dalu 105

Bibi Dong looked at the people of the Spirit Hall, her voice calm yet imposing. "Yes, he is dead. I have devoured him with the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor and gained new power."

As she spoke, a deep crimson mark flickered on her forehead, and six blood-red spider spears extended from her back. A potent, destructive aura radiated from her, and a thick red mist engulfed Qian Xunji, Ju Douluo, the other five Titled Douluo, and the soul master soldiers behind them.

Qian Xunji and the others were taken aback. The oppressive aura of Bibi Dong's martial spirit was suffocating. Many soul masters fell to their knees, their strength sapped away as if an invisible force was devouring their soul power.

"The Saint's Soul Devouring Spider Emperor has awakened a second time?" The white-haired middle-aged man murmured, his expression filled with shock. "This devouring power is terrifying... I have never encountered such a formidable martial spirit before."

Bibi Dong's gaze remained indifferent. "I will return to the Spirit Hall, but under one condition—release these people immediately and promise never to harm his family and friends again."

With that, she retracted her spider spears, the red mist gradually fading. The atmosphere was tense, but her demand was clear.

Xiao Wu stood silently, her gaze fixed on Bibi Dong. She knew Lin Fan was still alive. The restrictions placed around them had been her doing, and they had no effect on her. Nearby, her mother discreetly signaled her, a knowing look in her eyes.

Qian Xunji narrowed his eyes, still uncertain. "Is that brat really dead?" His spiritual senses attempted to probe the surroundings but found themselves restricted.

Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged glances before stepping forward.

"Yes, Your Holiness," Ghost Douluo affirmed. "Lin Fan must have been devoured by the Saint. Otherwise, there's no explanation for how her Soul Devouring Spider Emperor has grown so powerful. You know, Your Holiness, that the Saint's second martial soul strengthens through devouring. And Lin Fan had twin martial souls. The Saint has been hiding in the Star Dou Forest all this time. It stands to reason that she absorbed his power. Otherwise, such an increase in strength would be impossible."

Ju Douluo nodded respectfully. "Indeed, Pope. Right now, the priority is ensuring the Saint's return. There are countless ten-thousand-year soul beasts around us, and we are at a disadvantage. If we make a wrong move, it will not end well. Now that Lin Fan is dead, the Forest Queen has no leverage against us."

While they spoke, the two Douluo exchanged subtle glances. Their thoughts aligned—they were preparing to support Bibi Dong as the new Pope. Qian Xunji's influence had waned; his strategic failures and weakened cultivation had left the Spirit Hall vulnerable. A new leader was needed, and Bibi Dong was the ideal candidate.

Qian Xunji hesitated before turning to Bibi Dong, studying her carefully. "Are you truly willing to return?" He took a deep breath. "Very well, Xiaodong. Step forward. I will release them."

Ghost Douluo whispered, "Your Holiness, releasing them first will show sincerity."

Ju Douluo added, "Lin Fan seemed deeply in love with the Saint. It's possible he willingly let her devour him. That would explain why she's protecting his family. Regardless, if the Saint returns, these matters become irrelevant."

Qian Xunji clenched his fists. He still found it hard to believe Bibi Dong had truly killed Lin Fan. If that were the case, why protect his family? But it was undeniable that her power had skyrocketed. If Ghost Douluo's theory was true, then perhaps Lin Fan had sacrificed himself for her.

After a moment of contemplation, he waved his hand. "Release them."

The soldiers immediately freed Liu Erlong, Shui Yue'er, Ye Keke, and Lin Fan's family.

Liu Erlong collapsed to the ground, her body trembling with emotion. Her eyes locked onto Bibi Dong as she screamed, "You killed him! Why?! If you killed him, why are you saving us?!"

Bibi Dong remained silent, her gaze distant and unreadable.

Shui Yue'er knelt beside Liu Erlong and whispered, "Erlong, we need to leave. Take Lin Fan's family to safety."

Ye Keke nodded. "Xiao Fan isn't dead. We know him better than anyone. He wouldn't be defeated so easily."

Shui Yue'er reassured her, "Yes, the Saint's power change must be related to Lin Fan. She is protecting him. We need to go."

Liu Erlong's rage gave way to hope. "Xiao Fan isn't dead... That's right, he can't be. She loved him too much to kill him."

Determined, they escorted Lin Fan's family out of the Star Dou Forest.

Bibi Dong exhaled softly before walking toward Qian Xunji.

Qian Xunji's expression softened. "Xiaodong, I've waited for this day."

Ghost Douluo and Ju Douluo, along with the three Elders, looked pleased.

The white-haired Elder, Dijia Bailong, muttered, "The Saint's second martial soul is as strong as the Pope's Six-Winged Angel. And she also possesses the continent's most toxic martial spirit, the Death Spider Emperor. With a soul power of level 65, she has the highest chance of reaching godhood."

The surrounding soul masters murmured in agreement. The red mist Bibi Dong had unleashed earlier was proof of her newfound strength. A twin martial spirit alone was rare, but a second awakening? That was unprecedented.

As Bibi Dong approached, soul masters knelt in unison, their voices echoing throughout the Star Dou Forest.

"Welcome back, Saint!"

Ghost and Ju Douluo exchanged a satisfied look, personally escorting her to a carriage.

Qian Xunji suddenly felt uneasy but couldn't pinpoint why. Pushing the thought aside, he ordered their retreat from the forest's core.

---

Meanwhile, in the Star Dou Forest…

Lin Fan awoke to find himself in a wooden hut, surrounded by Xiao Wu's mother, Xiao Wu, Luna, and Daji. Luna gently cradled Xiao Renxue in her arms.

"Where is Sister Dong'er? Did she really leave?" Lin Fan sat up abruptly.

Xiao Wu's mother nodded. "Yes, she's gone."

She then explained everything.

Lin Fan fell into deep thought. Everything Bibi Dong had done was for him and their daughter. She had chosen her path. Rather than running, she was seizing control of the Spirit Hall.

Qian Xunji's strength was waning. Perhaps he wouldn't need an all-out war. Bibi Dong likely wanted him dead, but as a Saint, she couldn't do it herself.

A plan formed in Lin Fan's mind. He needed help.

Xiao Wu would stay to protect her mother.

Then… Ah Yin.

Lin Fan's eyes brightened. Ah Yin was close to becoming a Titled Douluo, and her identity remained a secret. She had the power to assist him in killing Qian Xunji.

"Yes… This could work," Lin Fan murmured, a smirk forming on his lips.

It was time to prepare.