Lin Fan sat at the stone table in the small courtyard. Moments later, Bibi Dong stepped gracefully through the doorway, her long legs effortlessly crossing the threshold as she entered.
Her face was calm and composed, as though the earlier chaos involving Tang Hao had not affected her in the slightest.
Behind her followed Hu Liena, her expression filled with resentment. She held a tray with a teapot and cups, clearly unhappy about being asked to accompany Bibi Dong to see Lin Fan.
"Your Holiness," Lin Fan stood up respectfully.
"No need to be so formal. Sit down—we're just chatting." Bibi Dong gestured as she took the seat across from him.
Hu Liena silently poured the tea for Lin Fan, clearly still stewing.
Once Lin Fan was seated, Bibi Dong asked, "How's the courtyard? If it's not to your liking, I can arrange a different one."
Lin Fan offered a polite smile. "Your Holiness is too kind—this place is already more than satisfactory."
"But if I may ask… is there a specific reason why you've asked me to stay?"
Bibi Dong's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Nothing too serious, just that your so-called uncle—Lin Fan—is a bit of a promise-breaker. That's left me a little… unhappy."
"He said we'd meet again during the finals. But now the grand finals are over, and I haven't seen so much as a shadow of him. Wouldn't you say your uncle is quite unreliable?"
Lin Fan shook his head lightly. "Perhaps something came up that delayed Uncle Lin Fan. Your Holiness, why not wait a few more days?"
"Exactly, my plan. That's why I've kept you here—so when he shows up, you can leave together."
Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes slightly with curiosity. "A few days ago, didn't you say you came to the tournament because you'd heard I was offering three spirit bones as prizes? Yet despite being the key contributor to the victory… You didn't even take one?"
Lin Fan smiled calmly. "Your Holiness may not know, but my uncle only told me there would be three spirit bones as the reward. He didn't specify what types. So when I saw what they were, I realized… they weren't of much use to me."
Hu Liena immediately scowled. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying the rewards weren't good enough? Those three bones, if they'd appeared in anyone else's hands, would've caused a bloodbath in the entire spirit master world—especially the head spirit bone, which is 50,000 years old! That thing is priceless!"
Lin Fan raised a hand to interrupt her. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I never said the bones were bad. I just said I can't use them—I already have spirit bones in those locations."
"When I was fighting your Yao Mei illusion technique in the red mist, I used the ability from my head spirit bone to locate your true position."
Hu Liena suddenly understood. "Ah—so that's why your every attack and dodge was so perfectly timed. You were relying on a spirit bone."
"You're so shameless—always relying on external power!" she snapped.
Lin Fan countered, "How is a spirit bone external power? It's part of my body now. I won the match with my strength—there's nothing shameful about that."
"Hmph! Still shameless!" Hu Liena huffed.
"Alright, Nana—that's enough." Bibi Dong gently stopped her. "Losing is losing. And technically, you didn't lose to him, but to his uncle."
She looked at Lin Fan. "If I'm not mistaken, your uncle helped you obtain those spirit bones, didn't he?"
Lin Fan chuckled. "Your Holiness is as sharp as ever. You're right. My uncle did help."
Since Bibi Dong already had that impression, Lin Fan saw no reason not to confirm it.
"Lin Xuan, may I ask you something serious?" Bibi Dong leaned in slightly.
"Please ask, Your Holiness. I will answer if I know it."
"How is your uncle Lin Fan able to predict the future like that? Do you have that same ability?"
Lin Fan shook his head. "Unfortunately not."
"As for how he developed that ability… perhaps it's due to a severe illness he had as a child."
"Oh?" Bibi Dong's interest was piqued. "Do tell."
"He had a terrible fever, and afterward started muttering nonsense every day. My father couldn't stand it, so he locked him in a wooden cabin behind our house for five years. When he came out, his mood had stabilized."
"Later, a major incident happened in our family, and only then did we realize that what Uncle Lin Fan had been muttering about were prophecies. But by then, he had already left home to travel the continent."
Lin Fan recited the made-up story with a straight face.
He didn't care whether Bibi Dong believed it or not. He'd already said it—it was up to her to buy it or not.
"Sounds like a total fabrication," Hu Liena muttered suspiciously.
Lin Fan pointed at her. "That's exactly what my father said at the time."
"Er…" Hu Liena blinked, caught off guard.
"But why would he suddenly fall ill?" Bibi Dong pressed further.
"It may have to do with his martial spirit mutation," Lin Fan replied. "Your Holiness should know that my uncle was born with only Rank 6 innate spirit power."
"But look at me—top-tier martial spirit with full innate spirit power. Among the direct bloodline of the Lin Clan, my uncle's martial spirit is the weakest."
"Hmm… I see." Bibi Dong nodded thoughtfully. "To think he had such a past. Being distrusted by family… that must've been hard."
Lin Fan didn't know whether she believed him or not, but he didn't elaborate further.
"There's another reason I asked you to stay," Bibi Dong continued.
"Oh?" Lin Fan blinked, confused.
"You're talented, and the right age. What do you think of my disciple, Nana? You're handsome, she's beautiful. A perfect match made in heaven."
"I could speak with your uncle about arranging a marriage alliance between you two."
"Teacher! What are you saying? I wouldn't want to marry such a sneaky guy!" Hu Liena flushed red and spoke in panic.
"Ahem... Your Holiness," Lin Fan coughed awkwardly. "I appreciate the offer. Lady Hu Liena is indeed beautiful and gifted. But… I already have a fiancée. I'm afraid I must respectfully decline."
"Ah, what a pity." Bibi Dong seemed genuinely surprised but didn't press. "Well then, forget I said anything."
"I won't keep you. You've just finished a tournament—you should rest. If you need anything, feel free to ask. Nana lives in the courtyard right next to yours."
With that, Bibi Dong rose and left with Hu Liena in tow.
"Seems like unless I reveal my true identity, Bibi Dong won't let me leave Spirit Hall… If Xiao Wu returns to those two 100,000-year-old soul beasts, it'll be nearly impossible to kill her alone."
"I'd better make a move soon… and stop her from getting back to them."
"But first, let's play it safe and claim my mission reward."
Lin Fan watched them leave, deep in thought.
When Bibi Dong had declared the tournament successfully concluded, Lin Fan had already heard the system chime—but that wasn't the right time to collect anything.
Now that night had fallen, Lin Fan sealed his room to hide his aura and finally activated the system.
"System, claim the reward."
[Mission Reward Dispensing:]
One attribute-less spirit ring, capable of growing to 100,000 years.
The final fragment of the Secret Realm Map.
The host's cultivation rose to the Spirit Emperor level, and granted entry into the secret realm.
"Ah… that familiar system voice. How I missed you."
As he spoke, a map fragment appeared in his hand, and front of him floated a milky white, attribute-less spirit ring.