Perhaps it was because Lin Fan had saved Tang San more than once, but Tang San decided to tell him the truth about how he had cured Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison.
"No wonder Dugu Bo came after you. The Jade Phosphor Serpent Spirit is something they take great pride in." Lin Fan patted Tang San on the shoulder and continued, "But you don't need to worry about him bothering you anymore. I've already warned him."
"Thank you, Sword Shadow Douluo." Tang San quickly bowed in gratitude.
Tang San couldn't help but wonder to himself, Why would someone like Lin Fan offend a Titled Douluo just to protect me?
Could it be… he knows some of my secrets? Tang San immediately thought of the Xuan Tian Record and began to suspect that the cultivation method he had hidden so carefully had somehow been exposed to Lin Fan.
He recalled how Yu Xiaogang had once commented that Lin Fan seemed to know everything, and that made Tang San even more suspicious.
Is he being so nice to me because of the Xuan Tian Record?
Tang San had grown wary over the years, and right now, he didn't trust easily. In his mind, the Xuan Tian Record was more precious than any immortal herb.
Lin Fan, noticing the flicker in Tang San's eyes, smiled faintly and said, "You're wondering why I'd offend a Titled Douluo for your sake, right? Thinking I might have ulterior motives?"
"N-No, I wouldn't dare..." Tang San hesitated, then admitted honestly, "But I did have my doubts. After all, it just seems... too much."
"You probably think it's not worth it, right?" Lin Fan chuckled. "Well then—by seniority, you should be calling me 'Uncle.'"
"Uncle?" Tang San blinked in surprise. "Why would I call you that?"
Lin Fan's unexpected words left Tang San speechless.
But considering Lin Fan's relationship with Tang Yuehua, it was quite reasonable.
"You've studied with Yu Xiaogang for some time now—you should've figured out, based on your martial spirit, that your origins are far from ordinary."
"But since your father hasn't told you, I shouldn't say too much either."
"In short... I'm your relative," Lin Fan finished and turned toward the city gate.
Tang San was no longer the naïve newcomer he once was. After observing for years, he knew how rare twin spirits were. Almost unheard of.
And every time Yu Xiaogang spoke about Tang Hao, he would hesitate—this only confirmed Tang San's suspicion: his father must have an extraordinary identity.
Maybe something had happened in the past that forced Tang Hao into silence. Maybe it was all to protect him.
Tang San understood—some things, the more you know, the faster you die.
He could only carry these growing doubts silently and followed Lin Fan into the city.
Blue Tyrant Academy wasn't far from the city gates. As they approached the entrance, Flender rushed out from the guard post.
"Sword Shadow Douluo, you're back!"
"Tang San, are you alright?"
Flender spoke with genuine concern for Tang San.
"I'm okay, Dean. What about you three?" Tang San asked.
On the way back, Lin Fan had already told him how Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Liu Erlong had fought Dugu Bo.
"Xiaogang's constitution is weaker than ours, so his injuries are more serious," Flender replied. "He's resting in his room now. Luckily, it was mostly just soul power exhaustion and fatigue. I stayed here to wait for you."
"Glad to hear that," Tang San nodded.
"No more pleasantries—come, let's go see your new academy. I haven't seen my chubby little brother in over a year," Lin Fan said as he stepped inside.
But instead of heading into the main academy buildings, Flender led them down a small path past three structures toward the rear of the campus.
"Last night, when Dugu Bo took Tang San, we hadn't even settled in yet. So Dai Mubai and the others are still staying in Liu Erlong's wooden cottage," Flender explained.
Originally, they had arrived at Blue Tyrant Academy just that afternoon. But that same night, Dugu Bo had shown up and abducted Tang San.
After discovering what happened, Flender and the others had instructed Dai Mubai's group to remain on standby while they gave chase.
Walking along a path beside a stream, the fragrance of flowers filled the air. They soon saw a small wooden house with its garden full of vibrant blooms.
The scenery here felt almost like a picturesque countryside cottage—so beautiful, even Lin Fan felt a twinge of envy.
"The Dean is here," said Dai Mubai, his golden hair gleaming in the sunlight. He quickly informed the others.
Sitting on the grass was Ma Hongjun, with Oscar leaning against a post by the door, Zhu Zhuqing beside him, and Xiao Wu watering the flowers for Liu Erlong.
As for Ning Rongrong, she had gone to visit her clan on the way here.
The group quickly gathered.
Xiao Wu, visibly tense after a sleepless night, rushed forward the moment she saw Tang San.
"San-ge, are you alright?" she asked, holding his arm tightly.
"I'm fine, Xiao Wu. Sorry to make you worry," Tang San reassured her with a gentle smile and a pat on the hand.
"Brother Fan! It's been forever—how are you here?" Ma Hongjun grinned and dashed over.
"Sword Shadow Douluo!" the others quickly greeted Lin Fan as well.
"Fatty—you've grown even rounder since the last time I saw you." Lin Fan laughed. "And all of you… You're not as green as you were a year ago. Your eyes—there's steel in them now."
"As for why I'm here..." Lin Fan trailed off mysteriously.
"What is it?" Oscar asked, leaning in.
"Because I did some divination and foresaw your arrival," Lin Fan answered with a deadpan face.
"Pfft." The group collectively rolled their eyes at the joke.
After a bit more banter and catching up, Lin Fan's eyes landed on Zhu Zhuqing, whose figure had noticeably matured.
"Zhu Zhuqing, what's your current spirit power level?" Lin Fan asked seriously, recalling the agreement they had made before he left.
Oscar and the others looked at Lin Fan and Zhu Zhuqing in confusion.
Dai Mubai, however, gave a complicated glance at the two of them.
Over the past year, he had watched Zhu Zhuqing train harder than anyone else. On their way to Heaven, Dou City, he had finally asked her why.
Only then did he learn about the pact she had made with Lin Fan.
"Sword Shadow Douluo, on our way here, we fought the Fierce God Battle Team, and I broke through to Spirit Power Level 35," Zhu Zhuqing said with excitement in her usually cold voice as she stepped forward.
She had thought she would have to wait a long while before she could see Lin Fan again. She didn't expect him to appear just one day after her arrival.
"Very good," Lin Fan nodded. "Then, as agreed, I'll officially take you as my disciple. From this day forth, you are a student of Lin Fan."
"What?!" Everyone was shocked.
"No wonder Zhu Zhuqing trained so hard this past year," Tang San muttered. "So this was why..."
"Disciple Zhu Zhuqing greets Master!" Zhu Zhuqing said with joy, kneeling on one knee before Lin Fan.
"Get up. There's no need for formalities like that," Lin Fan said, helping her to her feet.
In the Douluo Continent, kneeling wasn't a necessary part of the apprenticeship ceremony.
"Brother Fan! Can I become your disciple too?" Ma Hongjun asked eagerly, full of envy.
"Get lost. I don't take in male disciples," Lin Fan said jokingly.