[New Mission Issued: Tang San has just broken through Rank 30 and is about to absorb a new soul ring, obtaining the powerful external soul bone—the Eight Spider Lances. Given that you recently acquired the Slaughter Sword, this soul bone is practically tailor-made for you. Host, seize the Eight Spider Lances from Tang San before he fully fuses with them.]
[This mission is optional.]
[Mission Reward: Guaranteed fusion with the Eight Spider Lances, instantly upgraded to a 10,000-year soul bone.]
Lin Fan chuckled lightly at this mission.
Optional?
There was no way he'd pass up this opportunity—not for an external soul bone, and not for the Eight Spider Lances, one of Tang San's signature "cheats."
Even if it started at a thousand-year level, Lin Fan was confident that with his Titled Douluo-level cultivation, it would soon evolve into a 10,000-year soul bone.
"The Star Dou Great Forest is vast—there are probably at least eight or ten thousand Human-Faced Demon Spiders out there."
"Looks like I'll have to rely on this 'child of destiny' Tang San to follow the plot and locate the exact one that drops the Eight Spider Lances. Only then can I snatch it from him."
"Sorry, Tang San—but I'm not letting this chance slip away."
Lin Fan was more convinced than ever that coming to Shrek Academy had been the right move.
By sticking close to this 'son of destiny,' he could intercept all sorts of treasures that were originally meant for Tang San.
"Sword Shadow Douluo, still not thought? You wanna keep fighting?"
Tang Hao's brow furrowed as he saw Lin Fan smiling silently without replying.
Though Sword Shadow isn't my match, if I wanted to kill him, I'd have to go all out. And with my old injuries, it'd take a toll.
Besides, Tang San is still too young—he needs me to protect him while he grows stronger.
Tang Hao had no intention of escalating things. Killing a fellow Titled Douluo wasn't something to be taken lightly, especially when the risks weren't worth it.
After exchanging blows, Tang Hao had to admit that Lin Fan's synergy between his soul skills was exceptional.
Of course, Tang Hao still believed that if he went all out—using his most forbidden techniques—he could kill Lin Fan.
But that would almost certainly trigger his old wounds, leaving him crippled.
His greatest concern wasn't himself—it was Tang San.
If he lost his ability to protect Tang San and the Spirit Hall found them, neither of them would escape unscathed.
"Fine. I'll give the Clear Sky Sect—and you, Clear Sky Douluo—a bit of face."
"For now, I won't touch Xiao Wu."
"But if her 100,000-year soul beast identity is ever exposed by the Spirit Hall, don't blame me for striking first," Lin Fan agreed to the system's mission and temporarily accepted Tang Hao's condition.
But as for your son… Lin Fan thought darkly, he's still fair game.
After all, Xiao Wu couldn't run forever—he could deal with her anytime later.
But the Eight Spider Lances? That was as valuable as a 100,000-year-old soul beast—and it could even evolve into an artifact.
"Remember your words," Tang Hao warned, his expression softening slightly.
"If you break your promise, I'll kill you, no matter the cost."
Before leaving, Tang Hao issued this warning.
Lin Fan, however, just smiled indifferently.
If I wanted to play dirty, Tang Hao wouldn't be able to outmaneuver me anyway.
Worst-case scenario, he could just go straight to the Spirit Hall and leak the fact that Tang Hao and Tang San were hiding at Shrek Academy.
Would the Spirit Hall let them off then?
"No doubt, I'll need to stick around Shrek Academy for a while longer."
Lin Fan thought to himself, knowing that Tang San would soon reach Rank 30 and head to the Star Dou Great Forest for his next adventure.
Once Tang Hao vanished again, Lin Fan withdrew his martial soul and returned to Shrek Academy.
By the time he arrived back, dusk had already fallen and the sky was darkening.
Lin Fan walked back to the spot where he had beaten Zhao Wuji earlier and immediately sensed their presence.
"Zhao Wuji, get out here." Lin Fan's voice rang out, sharp and direct.
Inside the teachers' room, Zhao Wuji shuddered violently.
"Sword Shadow Douluo… he hasn't left yet?!"
"Let's go take a look," Flender suggested, "Since he's still here, we mustn't be rude."
The other teachers quickly nodded in agreement.
Soon after, Flender led Zhao Wuji and the other three teachers out of the room.
Lin Fan glanced at the tall, slender middle-aged man in glasses leading the group—he immediately recognized him as Flender, the founder of Shrek Academy.
"Greetings, Sword Shadow Douluo. We're honored by your visit to our humble Shrek Academy. Apologies for not welcoming you sooner," Flender said with a polite smile.
"So, one of the Golden Iron Triangle, Flender, actually set up an academy in this tiny village. I must admit, that's a bit surprising." Lin Fan remarked casually, exposing Flender's background with ease.
"It's nothing, really—just doing what little I can for the soul master world."
Flender chuckled awkwardly, surprised that Lin Fan had seen through him so easily.
"My name is Lin Fan—but you're welcome to keep calling me Sword Shadow if you prefer," Lin Fan added, then casually took out a pouch from his storage soul tool and tossed it to Flender.
Flender instinctively caught it and weighed it expertly—his merchant instincts told him it contained roughly 100 gold soul coins.
Perplexed, he asked,
"Sword Shadow Douluo, what's this for?"
"Rules are rules. That's my tuition fee—100 gold soul coins."
"After all, I did 'struggle' to pass Teacher Zhao's combat test, didn't I?"
Lin Fan said seriously.
"Uh…" Flender was completely dumbfounded.
He'd already heard from Zhao Wuji and Li Yusong that this Titled Douluo had a few screws loose—insisting on enrolling as a student.
He hadn't believed it before.
Now, faced with Lin Fan's serious expression, Flender finally accepted the truth.
This guy really is… eccentric beyond belief.
"He could easily be one of our teachers, yet here he is, insisting on being a student."
Flender couldn't wrap his head around it.
"What's wrong? Not happy about it? I worked hard to earn my spot in your academy," Lin Fan's face darkened slightly.
"Dean, just agree to it," Li Yusong whispered, tugging on Flender's sleeve.
"This titled Douluo has a weird temper. Who knows what he might do if we refuse?"
"Exactly. Just let him enroll—it's not like we have to manage him. Maybe after a while, he'll get bored and leave on his own," Lu Qibin agreed, nodding in support.
"Haha, it's not that, Sword Shadow Douluo. I just don't think I should take your money. Having you here is an honor for Shrek Academy—it's something we couldn't even dream of," Flender said respectfully.
"Take it. I'm not the type to freeload. Your academy is already struggling to make ends meet, after all."
"Now, assign me a room," Lin Fan said generously.
"…Fine. Zhao Wuji, go arrange a quiet room for Sword Shadow Douluo," Flender instructed the still-nervous Zhao Wuji.
"Y-Yes, Dean! Sword Shadow Douluo, please follow me—I'll show you to your room," Zhao Wuji replied, his swollen face forcing a smile.
"Let's go."
"…This senior has a strange personality," Flender muttered, watching their retreating figures in confusion.
"Indeed. I was still shocked by his strength earlier today," Li Yusong nodded in agreement.
"You think that's something? I even released my martial soul in front of him—almost got beaten myself! Luckily, my keen eyes recognized his extraordinary presence in time, or I'd have ended up like Old Zhao," Lu Qibin boasted shamelessly.
"Hah! Old Lu, don't bluff. I was in the kitchen—I saw everything. You chickened out first," Shao Xin exposed him without hesitation.
"Enough! You guys should rest. We've got some promising new students this year," Flender said helplessly.
Meanwhile, Zhao Wuji led Lin Fan to a nearby wooden cabin.
"This is our best room—though it's a bit old, it's quite spacious," Zhao Wuji introduced cautiously.
"Not bad. I'll take this one."
Lin Fan glanced around and nodded approvingly.
"Would you like me to prepare bedding or other supplies for you, Sword Shadow Douluo?" Zhao Wuji asked carefully.
"No need. I've got my stuff… Why? Still scared of me?" Lin Fan asked with a grin.
"N-No, I just feel a bit guilty about being disrespectful earlier," Zhao Wuji scratched his head awkwardly.
"It's fine. I'm not that petty. Besides, I already vented my frustrations earlier," Lin Fan replied casually.
"But if you feel bad, you're welcome to spar with me anytime."
"Uh, no thanks! I feel plenty guilty already. Please rest well, Sword Shadow Douluo—I'll be going now!"
Zhao Wuji fled as fast as he could.
Who in their right mind would spar with you?! I'd have to be insane to volunteer for that!
Zhao Wuji cursed internally.
Lin Fan chuckled, tidied up his room a little, then promptly went to sleep.
The next morning, the chirping of birds and the scent of flowers woke him up.
Stretching lazily, he stepped onto the balcony and glanced at the plaza. Tang San and the others were already gathered.
"I'm Flender, the dean of Shrek Academy."
"Congratulations on passing the entrance exams and officially joining our academy. Tuition is 100 gold soul coins per year. Please hand your fees to Teacher Li over there."
Flender was giving his introduction and collecting tuition from the students.
Lin Fan watched, then casually tidied himself up and walked toward the plaza.
"Hey, why didn't you call me to the student gathering?" Lin Fan yawned as he strolled over.
Flender's carefully maintained dignity instantly crumbled.
He quickly turned around and said in embarrassment,
"Sword Shadow Douluo, there's no need for that. Our academy promotes free learning—this is just a casual meet-and-greet for the new students."
"Huh? That senior didn't leave?" Zhu Zhuqing was surprised—she thought Lin Fan had already left.
"He came back… He must be here to kill me!" Xiao Wu trembled, instinctively moving closer to Tang San.
"Xiao Wu, what's wrong?" Tang San asked, confused by her reaction.
"I'm a new student too. Just wanted to introduce myself."
"Morning, everyone! I'm Lin Fan—though I'm a bit older than you all, just call me Brother Fan," Lin Fan greeted with a bright smile.
"You? A new student?"
"Why should I call you Brother Fan? You're new too! Call me Fatty instead—I'll take care of you around here," a short, chubby redhead near Dai Mubai replied boldly.
Shock!
Everyone—including Flender, Dai Mubai, and the others—stared at him in disbelief.
Oh no! I forgot to warn this dumb fatty…
Dai Mubai slapped his forehead, wishing he could disappear into a hole.
"Ma Hongjun! Watch your mouth! Bow and apologize to Sword Shadow Douluo right now!" Flender scolded furiously.
"Apologies, Sword Shadow Douluo. He's just a foolish kid—he didn't mean any offense," Flender quickly apologized.
"No harm done. Youthful vigor is a good thing. Besides, ignorance isn't a crime," Lin Fan replied generously.
"W-Wait! A Titled Douluo? Boss Dai, did I mishear?"
Ma Hongjun asked nervously, seeing everyone staring at him.
"You didn't mishear."
"His name is Lin Fan—Titled Douluo. Title: Sword Shadow," Dai Mubai explained with a helpless expression.
"Ah… What have I done?!"
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