Ning Fengzhi exchanged a brief glance with Gu Rong.
With a muffled bang, thick smoke filled the air.
It was a special smoke created by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—one capable of briefly interfering with even a Titled Douluo's perception.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Gu Rong immediately gathered his soul power and led the group away. Under Tang Hao and Dugu Bo's very noses, they slipped from sight and escaped.
"Lord Dominator… we failed. They got away."
Back in Spirit Hall, Tang Hao and Dugu Bo knelt before Lin Fan, their clothes dusty, clearly having rushed back without rest.
"It's fine," Lin Fan said calmly, waving a hand. "Just a few small fish—nothing that can stir real trouble. Go rest for now. There will be other tasks."
He wasn't surprised. Lin Fan hadn't expected them to capture Tang San easily. The Child of Destiny wouldn't be worthy of the title if he could be caught so simply.
"Senior, we meet again."
As Lin Fan pondered his next move, a group from Blazing Academy approached.
"Oh? It's you."
Lin Fan recognized them and gave a faint nod.
"Senior came to watch the tournament as well? Unfortunately, the competition's over," Huo Wu said with a warm smile. "If you have no urgent matters, why not join us for a walk around the city?"
"…Sure."
Seeing the Blazing Academy group sparked an idea in Lin Fan's mind.
Blazing Academy wasn't among the continent's top sects, but among the remaining powers—below the upper three and lower four sects—it still held influence. Moreover, Huo Wu and her companions were considered its next generation of leaders.
If he could control Huo Wu, he could indirectly control the entire academy.
With that thought, Lin Fan smiled and accepted her invitation.
Moments later, the group sat inside a refined restaurant in Heaven Dou City. Its ancient architecture and delicious aroma made for a relaxed atmosphere.
"Senior, if it's not rude to ask… what level is your strength now?"
Lin Fan chuckled lightly. "Not too strong."
As he spoke, seven pitch-black soul rings rose behind him—each one shining with the oppressive aura of ten thousand years.
"Se… Seven black rings?!"
Everyone from Blazing Academy stared in disbelief.
Someone around their age—a Soul Sage with seven spirit rings—all of them ten-thousand-year level? That was beyond anything they'd imagined.
If Lin Fan had participated in the tournament, he alone could've crushed every team present. Even the Martial Soul Hall's fusion techniques wouldn't have stood a chance.
"It's nothing special," Lin Fan said, waving casually as he lifted a cup of tea. "If you wish, you could have the same."
His words struck them like thunder.
At first, they thought he was joking. But his calm, effortless tone made it sound… possible.
"Senior… are you saying we can also…"
"Of course," Lin Fan replied. "Where do you think Spirit Hall's ten-thousand-year rings came from?"
Their eyes widened.
"So the Spirit Hall's rings… came from you?"
Huo Wu and her companions were stunned. They had believed Spirit Hall had developed some secret method on its own—but now they realized the true source stood right before them.
"Of course," Lin Fan said with a small shrug. "It's no big deal. Come with me later, and you can have it too."
To him, with the Zerg hive's biological enhancement capabilities, increasing the age of spirit rings was child's play.
"Really?"
Excitement lit up the group's faces. They already owed Lin Fan their lives once—and considering his overwhelming strength, refusing him wasn't even an option.
"Mm. Follow me."
Lin Fan beckoned them, leading the group toward the outskirts of Heaven Dou City… to the Zerg Hive.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, Tang San slowly opened his eyes.
A number of figures stood before him—many familiar faces among them.
"Little San, you're awake." Yu Xiaogang stood up proudly, gesturing toward the others. "These are the sect masters of the major powers across the continent. Everyone, this is my disciple—Tang San."
He emphasized my disciple with deliberate pride, his face full of smug satisfaction.
Even among Soul Douluo and Titled Douluo, he felt superior; after all, they had all come here begging his disciple for answers.
"Little brother," said Yu Yuanzhen, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon patriarch, breaking the silence first. "How did you obtain five ten-thousand-year spirit rings?"
He had little fondness for his own son, Yu Xiaogang, but the allure of such a discovery was too strong to resist.
Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth to speak—only for Yu Yuanzhen to glare him into silence.
"Little San, I'm Gu Rong, uncle to Ning Rongrong, and a Titled Douluo—the strongest of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect," Gu Rong said. "If you tell us how to extend spirit ring duration, I'll personally protect you in the future."
The moment his words fell, Yu Yuanzhen suddenly found himself pulled into a distorted space. But as a Titled Douluo, he shattered it with ease and returned, expression grim.
Tang San sighed quietly. Surrounded by so many powerful figures, he knew that refusing to speak wasn't an option.
So he decided to tell them everything—about the Insect Ancestor.
When he finished, the hall fell into heavy silence.
"I've cultivated for decades," Yu Yuanzhen muttered finally, "and never met anyone who looked identical to me… Seems fate truly plays its games."
He shook his head helplessly, and the other Titled Douluo mirrored his reaction—half disappointed, half thoughtful.
Then a voice whispered within Tang San's mind:
"Tell them… If they wish to increase their spirit ring years, I can help."
"Don't worry—we are one and the same. This will benefit you as well. Think about it… So many Titled Douluo owing you favors."
Sensing their waning interest, the Insect Ancestor saw its chance. Though Tang San's soul had already helped it recover greatly, having powerful allies would ensure its continued survival.
"Esteemed seniors," Tang San finally said aloud, "there's something I must tell you… though I don't know if I should."
He hesitated, but deep down, he trusted the Insect Ancestor—for now, at least. Their lives were linked; if he perished, so would it.
"Speak," Yu Yuanzhen urged, waving dismissively. After hearing Tang San's bizarre tale, he had already given up on the idea of extending spirit rings.
Tang San took a breath. "The being within me… says it can help you extend your spirit rings."
The room fell dead silent—save for the sound of labored breathing.
"…What did you just say?" Yu Yuanzhen barked, eyes wide as he grabbed Tang San by the arm.
"I said—it can help all of you increase your spirit ring years."
Tang San's calm words echoed in the hall like a thunderclap.
Yu Yuanzhen froze for a moment—then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Good! If you can truly do that, then the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will owe you a great debt, boy!"
His declaration was quickly met with eager nods and murmurs of agreement from the others.
****
If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat.
patr*on.com/Salsita2k