Spirit Hall City was known across the continent as the Holy Land of Soul Masters.
But in truth, what gave it that title wasn't the city itself—it was the fact that the headquarters of Spirit Hall was located there.
The entire city was built around Spirit Hall. Over time, it had grown into a place that could rival the likes of Heaven Dou City and Star Luo City.
Spirit Hall itself was built atop a hill. From the summit, one could overlook the entire city below.
Inside the Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong sat cross-legged on a high platform. Below her, standing respectfully, was a beautiful young woman.
At the center of the grand hall, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo stood side by side, reporting on the progress of the Advancement Tournament.
"Your Majesty," Ghost Douluo began, "the participating teams from the Star Luo Empire have no exceptional talents. The only notable point is the Nether White Tiger, a fusion technique from the Star Luo Royal Team."
"Yueguan," Bibi Dong addressed Chrysanthemum Douluo coldly, "what about Heaven Dou City? Has Lin Xuan revealed any new soul skills?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately responded, "No, Your Majesty."
"From start to finish, Lin Xuan has only revealed two soul skills—one offensive and one defensive. His defensive soul skill even has the ability to absorb and reflect damage."
"He's the greatest threat to the three Saint Candidates. His spirit power is at level 53, one level higher than Xie Yue and Yan. And his martial soul has no record in existing texts—likely a mutated martial soul."
Chrysanthemum Douluo relayed all intelligence they had gathered to Bibi Dong.
"Your Majesty, should we eliminate Lin Xuan while he's en route here?" Ghost Douluo asked coldly.
"I agree with Elder Gui," the young woman beside them said in a slightly raspy voice.
That woman was the "fox spirit" Lin Fan had once mentioned—Bibi Dong's disciple and the official Saintess of Spirit Hall, Hu Liena.
Although her voice was raspy, there was an inexplicable allure in every word she spoke.
"There's no need," Bibi Dong raised a hand to stop them. "I still need him to draw out his uncle—Sword Shadow Douluo."
"And Nana, you and your brother have grown too smoothly. A level-53 soul master like Lin Xuan might be just the pressure you need."
"If you want to become truly powerful, you can't fear challenges."
"Besides, if Sword Shadow Douluo dared to send his nephew to this tournament, he surely has something up his sleeve."
Ever since Lin Fan had made his eerie prophecy, Bibi Dong had firmly believed he possessed some kind of precognitive ability.
She didn't know if Lin Fan had left behind traps or backup plans, so she dared not make a rash move against Lin Xuan.
In her mind, Bibi Dong imagined countless possibilities—yet it never crossed her mind that Lin Xuan was Lin Fan.
"Teacher, just who is this Sword Shadow Douluo, to make you so cautious?" Hu Liena asked, visibly confused.
This was the first time she had seen her teacher so focused on one person. From Bibi Dong's tone, there was even a trace of... wariness?
"Nana, perhaps he's never met you. But he knows important events in your future—do you believe that?" Bibi Dong asked in return.
She remembered well that Lin Fan had somehow known she had a disciple, and even knew her disciple's martial soul was a fox—all without ever seeing Hu Liena.
"Teacher, that's impossible. That sounds like the nonsense of some scam artist." Hu Liena naturally didn't believe it.
Seeing her expression, Bibi Dong only smiled faintly without saying anything further.
After all, she had once reacted the same way—mocking Lin Fan's words. But in the end, she had paid a price for that doubt.
"Saintess," Chrysanthemum Douluo added, "Sword Shadow Douluo's real name is Lin Fan. Though his words may sometimes sound exaggerated, he's the real deal. An odd but remarkable man."
"He was born with innate soul power of level six. Yet in just forty years of cultivation, he reached the rank of Titled Douluo."
"Innate level six? That's so low…" Hu Liena was stunned.
"There's a so-called 'Grandmaster' on the continent named Yu Xiaogang, but Lin Fan's knowledge of soul masters likely exceeds even his."
"They say he took on a female disciple half a year ago, and her soul power jumped from level 35 to level 45 in just six months. And she's only fourteen!" Chrysanthemum Douluo said seriously.
"This—" Hu Liena was at a loss for words.
"Enough," Bibi Dong said. "He may just be a Soul King named Lin Xuan, but there's no need to treat him as a special target."
"If the three of you can't handle one Lin Xuan, then you don't deserve the title of the Golden Generation."
"Yes, Teacher," Hu Liena replied respectfully.
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
A caravan escorted by five hundred royal knights departed from Heaven Dou City, heading south.
Flender and Liu Erlong led the Shrek team, while Zhao Wuji and several other teachers remained at the academy.
Inside one of the carriages, Lin Fan sat silently with Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar.
"Finally on our way," Ma Hongjun said with anticipation. "I wonder if Spirit Hall City is grander than Heaven Dou City… Will the finals be exciting? Will there be pretty girls?"
"You damn fatty. Can you think of anything besides women?" Oscar shot back. "We should be looking forward to our moment of glory when we win the championship."
"When we get there, I'll treat you guys to the best food and drinks," Dai Mubai said generously.
"Thanks, Boss Dai!" they both said.
Then Dai Mubai turned toward Lin Fan, who sat with his eyes closed in meditation, silent and unmoving.
"Lin Xuan, is winning the championship a requirement for completing your trial?" Dai Mubai asked softly.
Without even opening his eyes, Lin Fan replied, "Yes."
"That's… a bit harsh," Dai Mubai said.
"It really is," Ma Hongjun added. "There are thirty-two teams, and taking the championship—especially from Spirit Hall—is no small feat."
Oscar joined in, "I've been gathering intel these last few days. I found out that even the Five Elemental Academies have no intention of aiming for the championship. None of them want to face Spirit Hall in battle."
It wasn't that they lacked confidence—it was that Spirit Hall's strength was absolute.
"Winning is easy," Lin Fan said calmly. "Just follow my lead and we'll slaughter them all."
"Slaughter them all? So we 'quack quack,' and you do the killing?" Ma Hongjun blinked in confusion.
"Something like that," Lin Fan nodded.
"Haha, alright. You eat the meat, we drink the soup," Dai Mubai laughed.
Lin Fan resumed his meditation.
The three others took the hint and began chatting about lighter topics.
In truth, Lin Fan was more excited than any of them.
He'd waited over half a year, and now, the day to complete his mission was finally near.
If it weren't for the glowing system interface in his mind, he might have even forgotten about the mission—and the reward.
[New Mission]
With the aid of the Reversal System, the host's strength has advanced rapidly.
As a student of Shrek Academy, the host must compete in the Continental Elite Tournament and defeat Spirit Hall's team to win the championship.
This mission is optional.
Rewards:
• One attribute-free soul ring that can grow to 100,000 years,
• Final mystery realm map fragment,
• Instant promotion to Soul Emperor, unlocking access to the mystery realm.
Staring at the task panel, Lin Fan couldn't help but sigh in amazement.