If Lin Fan had demanded only ten-thousand-year soul bones, even the Spirit Hall wouldn't have been able to promote many Contras to Titled Douluo.
"Tomorrow, choose your candidates and bring them to me. I suggest you select Contras whose eighth spirit rings are around forty thousand years old."
After giving his instructions, Lin Fan turned and left the Pope's Palace.
Upon returning to the Zerg Hive, the first thing he did was place the three ten-thousand-year soul bones into the Gene Chamber.
A flash of white light filled the chamber, and within an instant, all three soul bones lost their spiritual energy.
Lin Fan exhaled lightly toward them, and the bones crumbled to ash.
Immediately, the voice of the Overmind echoed in his mind:
[Congratulations, Host. Successfully extracted:
– Wisdom of Mental Convergence – Cranial Soul Bone
– Blazing Explosion – Right Arm Soul Bone
– Swift Gale Pursuit – Left Leg Soul Bone]
[The extracted power from the three soul bones will now be randomly infused into the Zerg Swarm.]
"Randomly infused into the Zerg Swarm? What do you mean? Open the Illusion Zerg interface."
Hearing that, Lin Fan frowned. This was something that had never happened before.
[By your command.]
[Flame Mirage Zerg: Auxiliary assault unit. Generates illusions that distort the surrounding environment and release flames upon enemies. Has a 0.001% chance to instantly incinerate a target. (Upgradeable)]
"Flame Mirage Zerg… interesting. Next."
Lin Fan's eyes glimmered as he continued reading. He already suspected this was the result of the soul bones' genetic essence being absorbed.
[Speed Mirage Zerg: Auxiliary reconnaissance unit. Generates illusions to alter terrain perception. Movement speed equivalent to an Agility-type Soul Emperor. Currently lacks special abilities. (Upgradeable)]
"Heh… now this is getting interesting."
Even someone as calm as Lin Fan couldn't help but grin.
The effects of these three soul bones were far greater than expected — further solidifying his intention to obtain more from Spirit Hall.
The Zerg swarm, now reinforced through soul bone gene integration, had advanced to an entirely new level.
Their evolution was no longer limited to a single role — even support-type Zergs gained offensive potential, while combat types developed auxiliary traits.
"Lin Fan, these are all the soul bones Spirit Hall can currently allocate, along with the first group of Titled Douluo."
Bibi Dong handed Lin Fan a storage-type soul tool from her waist.
When Lin Fan examined its contents, even he couldn't help but sigh at Spirit Hall's vast wealth.
There were over a hundred soul bones — though only about a dozen were ten-thousand-year grade, the rest numbered well over three figures in the thousand-year category.
Even the richest sect on the continent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, might not be able to produce such a stockpile.
Still, that didn't mean the Seven Treasure Clan was inferior — they simply focused on wealth and trade rather than long-term accumulation of rare items like soul bones.
Spirit Hall, on the other hand, demanded offerings from every branch and elder, and through decades of hunting soul beasts, had naturally gathered a massive reserve.
This stock represented nearly a century of accumulation.
"Your Holiness, how many are you planning to advance this time?"
Lin Fan's expression softened slightly. He knew this meant his Zerg army was about to receive another massive upgrade — and with Bibi Dong being his best "client," he had every reason to keep her satisfied.
"Not too many — ten Titled Douluo and one hundred and three Contras. This is only the first batch."
Bibi Dong smiled confidently. Even the three upper sects combined couldn't boast such strength.
"Let them enter. But remember, whether the transformation succeeds or not, I won't be returning any soul bones."
Lin Fan gestured for them to proceed into the Hive. Strengthening his swarm while gaining loyal followers — such luck was nearly absurd.
"Naturally," Bibi Dong replied with a nod. The thousand-year soul bones were of little use within Spirit Hall anyway — too weak for Titled Douluo, too strong for weaker members. Their awkward nature made them perfect for experimentation.
Moments later, the group completed their transformation within the Hive.
Fortunately, the first batch Bibi Dong brought were mostly high-level Titled Douluo. Nearly all achieved breakthroughs, and their Martial Spirits showed signs of mutation and evolution — a sign that their future progress would be smoother.
Lin Fan could control them if he wished, but he refrained. He knew that in the near future, Spirit Hall would send an unending stream of Contras and Titled Douluo for "enhancement."
Acting rashly now would be unwise.
"Much appreciated."
Bibi Dong's expression was complicated as she looked at Lin Fan. She didn't know how he achieved it, but she couldn't help desiring the same evolution for herself — a way to strengthen her spirit rings and soul power beyond current limits.
"Bibi Dong! You dare bring the elders of Spirit Hall here?!"
Before she could speak again, a deep, aged voice filled the air.
"Not good — it's Qian Daoliu!"
Lin Fan's expression hardened. He was very familiar with this name. Qian Daoliu was no ordinary man — in the Douluo Continent, he stood at the threshold of godhood. Even a level-98 Titled Douluo could be slain with a single strike from him.
He was, without question, the guardian of Spirit Hall.
"And what brings the Grand Worship here today?"
Bibi Dong's tone was sharp — not fearful, but openly defiant.
Even knowing she couldn't defeat Qian Daoliu, she refused to back down.
"The collective disappearance of Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo — did you think I wouldn't investigate?"
"I am the Pope of Spirit Hall, Grand Worship. You should return to your hall."
Her curt reply left Qian Daoliu speechless for a moment. He scanned the newly transformed Douluo before turning away, his expression unreadable, and finally departed with the elders of the Worship Hall.
"Brother, that woman dared to speak to you like that. Let me go kill her!"
Back in the Worship Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo growled.
"And then what? Should you or I become the next Pope?"
Qian Daoliu shot him a glare.
"Tch… being Pope sounds exhausting anyway."
Golden Crocodile Douluo crossed his arms, clearly uninterested in leadership.
"Forget it. The papal seat will eventually belong to Xue'er."
Qian Daoliu sighed deeply. Besides the old generation, there was truly no one else capable of leading Spirit Hall like Bibi Dong.
"Don't worry, Brother. We all watched Xue'er grow up. Anyone who dares harm her will have to deal with the Worship Hall first."
Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes gleamed with killing intent.
****
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