Poison Douluo stared intently at the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring radiating an overwhelming aura before him, his desire evident, yet a wave of helplessness washed over his heart.
He turned to Lin Fan and said, "I am already a Titled Douluo. How could I possibly absorb a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring now?"
There was a faint trace of hope in Poison Douluo's tone.
An old fox like him would never give up on any opportunity to become stronger.
Although he knew he had long missed the prime chance to advance his strength, the fact that Lin Fan had brought this up meant he must have full confidence in helping him grow stronger!
Even if the chance was slim, Poison Douluo was willing to try.
Lin Fan chuckled softly, easily seeing through the old man's inner thoughts, though he didn't call him out on it.
After all, if someone has no desires, how can they be controlled?
Having desires and goals is a good thing.
Besides, Poison Douluo wasn't completely under his control yet. Once he willingly submitted to the Zerg, wouldn't everything be decided by Lin Fan alone?
"Poison Douluo, you can rest assured," Lin Fan said calmly. "I have a way to help you absorb this ring."
As he spoke, a scarlet gleam flashed in his eyes.
Hum—
Seven spirit rings slowly rose behind him.
Red.
Red.
Red.
Red.
Red.
Red.
Red.
Seven dazzling scarlet hundred-thousand-year rings illuminated the chamber, bathing Poison Douluo's stunned face in crimson light.
"This…"
Poison Douluo had guessed Lin Fan was powerful, but this? Seven hundred-thousand-year spirit rings? This defied every law of cultivation he knew!
Even the greatest geniuses on the continent had never managed this.
Even if such rings existed, the sheer force of their power should have torn any human body apart.
"Well then," Lin Fan said with a faint smile, "are you convinced now?"
Poison Douluo nodded repeatedly, the sight before him setting his heart completely at ease.
Yet, after a pause, a trace of hesitation appeared in his eyes as he asked, "I wonder… what must I give in return?"
Lin Fan smirked coldly. This old man was cautious, as expected.
"You only need to assist the Zerg," Lin Fan replied. "When I require your aid, you'll lend a hand. Nothing that will bring you disgrace."
Poison Douluo nodded slightly before asking, "Then… what do I need to do?"
Lin Fan turned and strode toward the Mother Nest, gesturing for him to follow.
"Come, Poison Douluo. I'll strengthen your body first."
Rip—
A massive, fleshy gate split open in the organic walls of the Mother Nest, and the three of them stepped inside.
Poison Douluo's eyes widened as he took in the writhing, pulsating flesh and living walls around him. Shock and disbelief churned in his mind.
This race… it completely defied everything he knew of the Douluo Continent.
They were like nothing from this world.
Inside the transformation chamber, Lin Fan pointed at a fleshy capsule in the center, covered in pulsating veins and connected to countless organic tubes.
"Step inside, Poison Douluo. I'll enhance your body."
Poison Douluo frowned as he observed the grotesque bio-pod. Was this really a "proper enhancement"?
No matter how he looked at it, the sight was unsettling. It was hard to associate this thing with strengthening the human body.
He turned toward Lin Fan, his emerald eyes narrowing sharply.
"You're not trying to trick me, are you?"
Lin Fan laughed dryly. "Of course not. Besides, this process will also eliminate the toxins that have plagued you for years."
"What?!" Poison Douluo's eyes went wide, his withered hands trembling uncontrollably. "Is that true?!"
The peculiar nature of his Martial Soul had filled his body with venomous toxins for decades, gradually corroding his life force. Those same toxins had even claimed his son's life. If they couldn't be purged soon, he wouldn't have long to live himself.
Lin Fan smiled calmly. "Naturally, it's true. We've even healed Haotian Douluo's severe injuries. Removing a bit of poison from your system is nothing in comparison."
Poison Douluo hesitated briefly before closing his eyes and stepping toward the pod.
"Fine. Let's do this. I hope you're not lying to me."
"I'm an honest man," Lin Fan replied with a sly grin, waving his hand.
The pod sealed shut with a sickening sound, and numerous veins extended from the creep-covered floor, piercing into the capsule.
Gurgle… gurgle…
Green fluid surged through the tubes, filling the chamber as muffled grunts came from inside the pod.
An overwhelming weakness engulfed Poison Douluo's entire being. Lin Fan's lips curled into a cunning smile.
Now, even if Poison Douluo wanted to resist, he no longer had the strength to do so.
Lin Fan was gradually draining every ounce of his power.
"Hehehe… Poison Douluo, enjoy this little gift I've prepared for you."
Seven days later.
Spirit Hall, within the Pope's Palace.
Lin Fan stood before Bibi Dong, a faint smile on his lips. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Rest assured, Your Holiness, I will not disappoint you. I will see your expectations fulfilled."
Bibi Dong nodded lightly, a subtle glimmer flickering in her beautiful eyes.
"The Academy has been established," she said. "But I fear you cannot manage everything alone. I have assigned a vice-dean to assist you. What do you think?"
Lin Fan feigned contemplation, though inwardly he laughed.
A vice-dean? He's already one of mine. Bibi Dong, soon your Spirit Hall will be riddled with Zerg influence.
"Of course," he said respectfully. "Having someone to help will be most welcome."
A look of satisfaction crossed Bibi Dong's face. With a wave of her hand, a streak of blue light flew from her sleeve, landing before Lin Fan.
"This is…?" he asked, catching it. The object felt smooth yet firm in his hand—a square token engraved with the character "魂" (Spirit).
"This token," Bibi Dong explained, "is unique to you. It signifies your special status, granting you free passage throughout Spirit City and the Spirit Hall. The core areas, however, remain off-limits."
Lin Fan nodded, examining the token curiously.
"Now, go," Bibi Dong continued. "Elder Chrysanthemum will serve as the vice-dean and guide you to the new academy."
Lin Fan chuckled softly. "A pleasure working with you, Your Holiness."
He turned and strode toward the palace gates. Bibi Dong watched his retreating figure, an unreadable glint in her eyes.
****
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