News of Yang Fan's return exploded through the Breaking Clan.
Clansmen swarmed around, eager to see how the boy who'd worried them for three years had changed.
The clan had endured much because of him—and it was true!
Since Yang Fan vanished without a word, they'd searched everywhere.
For three years, they'd asked strangers about him during herb runs and deliveries.
But they dared not speak openly—
Yang Fan was the sect's first soul master with innate soul power exceeding Level 7—even reaching full innate soul power!
After his awakening ceremony, the chief and elders strictly forbade disclosure.
If the Spirit Hall or rival factions learned of his talent, assassination was guaranteed—and the clan might be shattered again.
Adults understood the stakes.
Children trained in isolation, rarely contacting outsiders.
Thus, Yang Fan's secret stayed buried.
"Third Uncle, I'm back," Yang Fan said guiltily.
He knew his abrupt departure had caused trouble.
But without it—
Would he be a Four-Star Dou Shi and Soul Ancestor?
Would he harbor two flames?
Would he possess soul bones and divine herbs?
No!
Staying home would've given him pampered care—but no survival trials or combat experience.
He'd have wasted clan resources without gaining strength.
"Look at you!" Third Uncle grinned. "All that good food out there made you half a head taller than the boys here!"
Yang Fan's return brought joy.
From his awakening, he'd been the clan's hope—undisputed.
"Xiao Fan…"
Though three years apart, Grandfather Yang Wudi's voice remained familiar.
"Grandfather!"
Yang Wudi looked unchanged—still the indomitable warrior.
In a flash, he crossed ten meters, gripping Yang Fan.
"You little brat… you finally came back."
Tears glistened in his aged eyes—quickly hidden.
He'd imagined this reunion countless times:
Hang him up and beat him!
Scold him for wandering as a full-soul-power prodigy!
Shower him with clan resources!
But face-to-face, words failed him.
Three years!
How did you survive?
Examining Yang Fan, Yang Wudi sensed something extraordinary…
"Everyone, disperse! My grandson and I have much to discuss."
…
Back Courtyard.
Yang Fan pushed open his door.
Same room. Same furnishings from three years ago.
Stepping inside, he nearly relived his departure night.
The room was spotless—someone cleaned it regularly.
With no servants (the clan trusted no outsiders), only Grandfather could've done it.
"You rascal!" Yang Wudi's voice softened. "What's your soul power level after three years of training?"
Health confirmed, he focused on what mattered.
If he allowed a full-soul-power Soul Breaking Spear soul master wasting his talent? Yang Wudi would betray generations of ancestors!
Yet he already sensed Yang Fan's strength—stronger than any peer.
"Grandfather… watch closely."
To others, Yang Fan hid his cards.
But to two people, he couldn't lie to: Yao Lao and Grandfather.
He summoned his martial soul—
Soul rings erupted from his feet, one by one.
At the first ring, Yang Wudi froze.
"Thousand-year first ring?!"
He rubbed his eyes—no illusion. Purple.
Douluo Continent had never seen a thousand-year first ring—not even any other innate full-soul-power prodigies achieved this!
Then—the third black ring appeared. Followed by a fourth.
Yang Wudi's breath stopped. The room fell deathly silent.
A thousand-year first ring? Maybe explained by pre-awakening body tempering.
But ten-thousand-year?
Soul shock alone crippled countless Soul Kings!
Yang Wudi felt Yang Fan's potent soul flow—but never imagined this.
Abnormal rings + Soul Ancestor at nine years old?
His worldview crumbled.
Fear replaced shock.
"Xiao Fan—who knows about your rings?!" Yang Wudi's voice trembled.
This configuration was more dangerous than full innate soul power.
If leaked—
Not just the Spirit Hall—every faction would hunt him.
"Only you, Grandfather," Yang Fan assured. "I've never shown my rings publicly."
He loved Grandfather's stunned expression—so unworldly!
"Promise me!" Yang Wudi gripped his shoulders. "Never reveal your rings—not even to clan members—unless your life's at stake!"
Yang Fan nodded. He'd lived by this rule for years.
"Tell me everything," Yang Wudi demanded, suddenly grave.
He recalled Old White Bird's warning: "Douluo has evil soul masters who boost power by burning life essence."
Seeing Yang Fan's transformation, that memory haunted him.
"Don't worry, Grandfather," Yang Fan soothed.
He'd prepared this answer.
His story was half-truth:
- Immortal herbs granted his power.
- Omitted Yao Lao entirely.
"Immortal herbs?"
Before Yang Wudi could question further, Yang Fan pulled out proof:
A colossal chrysanthemum—petals seamless, scentless, with a golden-tipped stamen towering half a foot above blooms.
"Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum?!"
Yang Wudi recognized it instantly. Yue Guan had wielded one during the Spirit Hall-Hao Tian war.
As an alchemist, he saw its perfection—a divine herb beyond his wildest dreams.
"This is for you, Grandfather," Yang Fan said.
His gift!
The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum tempered limbs, unblocked meridians, forged an indestructible body.
Seemingly unrelated to the Soul Breaking Spear's offensive path—
But that was a fatal misconception!
Soul Breaking Spear masters relied on body strength for their brute-force clashes.
If they had a weak physique? It'd be like smashing an egg on a stone.
"For me?" Yang Wudi's throat tightened. "You need it more!"
"I've already absorbed a stronger immortal herb," Yang Fan insisted. "It gave me a robust body, boosted my soul strength, and enabled my four-ring Soul Ancestor status. Repeated immortal herb use has diminishing returns."
Yang Wudi almost refused—until Yang Fan's next words silenced him:
"Grandfather, the Breaking Clan needs a Title Douluo!"
Yang Wudi's heart lurched.
Yes!
A Title Douluo would transform their fate. Elephant Armor Sect—those Spirit Hall lapdogs—would never dare oppress them again.
Staring at the radiant chrysanthemum, Yang Wudi doubted Yang Fan's tale.
He believed:
- Immortal herbs existed.
- Yang Fan was a Soul Ancestor.
- The rings were real.
But hunting 10,000-year beasts alone? Impossible!
Yet he didn't press.
This boy kept secrets like a vault.
Forcing answers might make him flee again.
Still, Yang Fan's story was oversimplified.
He couldn't have hunted those beasts alone!
"Grandfather, absorb it now—I'll guard you," Yang Fan offered.
Yang Wudi chuckled. A Soul Ancestor guarding a Soul Douluo? But the filial piety warmed him.
"I'll study it first. Don't worry, I'll absorb it at the right moment."
He vowed:
Even if the Breaking Clan's "curse" blocked Title Douluo, he'd touch that barrier in his lifetime—to guide Yang Fan.
For the clan, Yang Fan was the true hope.
Minutes passed before Yang Wudi calmed his racing heart.
A nine-year-old Soul Ancestor!
He could face ancestors in death with pride.
"Rest first," he said, rising. "I have matters to attend to. Food will come."
Reunion joy faded, replaced by clan troubles.
He prayed the Star Luo noble trade route wouldn't collapse.
…
Soon, steaming meals arrived—
Delivered by an elder?!
"Third Uncle?" Yang Fan blushed. How embarrassing!
Third Uncle plopped down opposite him—with no intention to leave.
Ah! Yang Fan realized.
Grandfather feared he'd vanish again. Sending the strongest mid-generation fighter ensured Yang Fan couldn't slip away.
"Eat!" Third Uncle urged. "Our meals improved thanks to your Blood-Clotting Powder formula."
Mentioning the medicine, his face darkened—
Exactly what Yang Fan noticed!
"Third Uncle, what's wrong with the clan?"
Grandfather's odd exit + Third Uncle's gloom = trouble.
"Nothing! Eat!"
But the rough man's poor acting revealed everything.
"Tell me," Yang Fan pressed. "I'll find out anyway."
Third Uncle sighed. "Fine. It's known to everyone in the clan anyways—I just didn't want to burden you right when you got home."
He recounted Elephant Armor Sect's ambush—then slammed the table.
"Elephant Armor Sect?!"
Yang Fan grasped the severity.
With the Elite Tournament nearing, Blood-Clotting Powder demand surged.
This "accident" threatened:
- Their Star Luo noble channel
- A once-in-five-years profit opportunity
Elephant Armor Sect struck their lifeline!
"Don't worry," Third Uncle said. "It's a problem for us adults. You just focus on training."
But Yang Fan disagreed.
He already had a plan in mind.
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