Barely Becoming a Titled Douluo, and the Counterattack System Arrives

That afternoon, after Tang Yuehua finished her lessons, Lin Fan brought her to visit his newly purchased home.

"Yuehua, take a look around. If you think anything's missing, we can buy some decorations or anything else you'd like to personalize the place," Lin Fan said warmly, showing her around the house and asking for her thoughts.

Tang Yuehua smiled, glancing around.

"It's quite a nice place. Must've cost a fortune. How much did you pay for it?"

Lin Fan chuckled and replied,

"It wasn't too bad. Thanks to the Crown Prince's 'generous discount,' I only spent a million gold soul coins."

Tang Yuehua's expression brightened slightly.

"Ah, I've heard of this Eastern Courtyard neighborhood before. It's said many of the Empire's soul masters live here. I didn't expect Xue Qinghe to be so generous."

Lin Fan laughed lightly.

"Well, I'm a soul master too. But enough about that—later, we can plant your favorite flowers here in the garden—roses, peonies, tulips… And we'll decorate the house however you like."

He gently held her hand as they gazed at the empty courtyard.

Tang Yuehua's smile grew tender.

"Then I won't hold back," she said with a soft nod.

The two of them then went out together to purchase decorations and household items. They also ordered plenty of flowers to be planted in the courtyard, filling the home with everything Tang Yuehua loved.

Together, they created a warm, cozy new home.

That night, Tang Yuehua spent a blissful evening at Lin Fan's new house.

Three Days Later

Lin Fan left Heaven Dou City, flying on his sword directly toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's territory, which was only about a hundred miles away—not far for him.

Departing from the city at around 10 a.m., Lin Fan reached the foot of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's mountain by noon, arriving at the nearby Seven Treasure City.

He had visited before—the clan was located atop the surrounding mountains, encircled by peaks.

Frankly, Lin Fan always found the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's location too exposed. Though positioned on the mountains, the terrain wasn't particularly defensible—there were no natural barriers or fortifications.

Their defensive positions were spread thin in all directions.

Still, none of that mattered to Lin Fan. He wasn't here to discuss their security—he came for the Split-Heart Control Technique.

Lin Fan didn't bother hiding his presence; he flew boldly toward the clan's gates, openly approaching the entrance.

"Who goes there?!" The guards stationed at the gate instantly raised their weapons when they saw Lin Fan descend from the sky.

Lin Fan cupped his hands politely.

"Please inform your Clan Master that Lin Fan has come to pay a visit."

Though he was a Title Douluo now, Lin Fan didn't put on airs. The gate guards, seeing him descend from the sky and noting his calm demeanor, could tell he wasn't ordinary.

Recognizing Lin Fan's courtesy, the guards relaxed and lowered their weapons.

"Please wait here. I'll report to the Clan Master immediately."

—

Inside the clan's dining hall, Ning Fengzhi was having lunch with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo when the guard rushed in to report.

"Clan Master, there's a man at the gate who claims to be Lin Fan."

Ning Fengzhi froze, holding his chopsticks mid-air.

"Who did you say?"

"He called himself Lin Fan," the guard confirmed.

Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up.

"Where is he? Quick, invite him in."

Without waiting, Ning Fengzhi stood and walked out himself to greet the guest.

—

Meanwhile, Bone Douluo blinked in surprise.

"Lin Fan? Old Sword, do you know him?"

Sword Douluo's expression darkened slightly.

"Hmph, who else could it be? That so-called 'prophet' charlatan."

Recognition dawned on Bone Douluo's face.

"Oh, him! I remember now. He still has the guts to come here? He's in for it this time!"

In truth, Bone Douluo hadn't forgotten how Lin Fan once tricked him into being a sparring partner.

Nor had Sword Douluo forgotten how Lin Fan had once shamelessly sought his guidance in swordsmanship.

Both were longtime Title Douluo, appearing middle-aged but already near a century old.

Sword Douluo was a Rank 96 Super Douluo, and Bone Douluo was a Rank 95 Title Douluo—both near the limits of their potential.

—

At the mountain gate, Ning Fengzhi spotted Lin Fan standing calmly at the center of the entrance.

A friendly smile appeared on Ning Fengzhi's face as he approached.

"Ah, Prophet Lin, it's been a long time. You still look as spirited as ever."

Lin Fan offered a polite smile in return.

"Sect Master Ning, I hope you've been well. Apologies for leaving so abruptly all those years ago."

"Think nothing of it." Ning Fengzhi smiled and gestured warmly.

"Please, let's talk inside the main hall."

Lin Fan courteously motioned for Ning Fengzhi to lead the way, showing proper guest etiquette.

Once Ning Fengzhi started walking, Lin Fan followed behind him.

Before long, they arrived at the main hall.

"Prophet Lin, I'm sure you haven't eaten yet. Why don't you join us for lunch?" Ning Fengzhi stood at the doorway.

Lin Fan laughed, accepting the invitation.

"Thank you for your kindness. I set out from Heaven Dou City this morning and haven't had lunch yet."

"Then please, follow me to the dining hall," Ning Fengzhi said, leading the way.

As they walked, he added curiously,

"You mentioned coming from Heaven Dou City? My daughter told me she saw you at Shrek Academy."

Lin Fan nodded.

"That was earlier. I left Shrek Academy half a year ago and have been in Heaven Dou City since."

"I see… Prophet Lin, your movements are as elusive as ever," Ning Fengzhi remarked with a chuckle.

Lin Fan then mentioned casually,

"While I was in Heaven Dou City, I crossed paths with your disciple, Xue Qinghe. I've spent quite a bit of time interacting with him these past six months."

Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"You met Qinghe?"

Lin Fan nodded with a faint smile.

"Indeed. Your disciple's demeanor reminds me a bit of you."

As they chatted, they soon reached the dining hall.

—

Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo had already stopped eating, waiting for them to arrive.

The moment Lin Fan stepped inside, Bone Douluo immediately stood up with a scowl.

"It is you, you scammer! You dare show your face at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan again?"

Lin Fan simply shook his head, smiling wryly.

"Bone Douluo, you're still as hot-tempered as ever."

"I still remember how you conned me into being your sparring partner back then!" Bone Douluo grumbled.

Ning Fengzhi quickly intervened to ease the tension.

"Come now, Uncle Bone, Uncle Sword—he's our guest. Besides, Lin Fan wasn't exactly tricking you back then."

Sword Douluo sighed in exasperation.

"You're too easily deceived by appearances, Fengzhi."

Lin Fan simply smiled and said nothing. The truth was, back then, he had indeed benefited greatly from sparring with the two Douluo, gaining much combat experience and improving his soul power.

After all, unlike the aloof elders of Spirit Hall, these two Douluo weren't arrogant—and at the time, Lin Fan hadn't even qualified to spar with Title Douluo-level fighters.

"After this meal, I'll have to teach you a lesson to settle old grudges," Bone Douluo said, staring at Lin Fan with a grim expression.

Lin Fan chuckled, accepting without hesitation.

"That's only fair. I'd also like to see if my Shadow Sword has grown sharper since then."

"Enough talk—let's eat first. Lin Fan, please have a seat," Ning Fengzhi invited warmly.

—

After lunch, they moved to the courtyard behind the main hall, where Lin Fan and Bone Douluo prepared to spar.

Bone Douluo stood with his hands clasped behind his back, saying coldly,

"Back then, you were merely a Soul Sage when you left. Let's see how much you've improved—whether you're worthy of me taking this seriously."

Lin Fan didn't argue; instead, he summoned his martial soul directly.

With a flash of blue-green light, his Shadow Sword appeared in his hand—and simultaneously, nine soul rings emerged around him: yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black, black.

Six black rings in total!

Bone Douluo's eyes widened in shock, his voice trembling slightly,

"Y-You… A Title Douluo? Rank 94?! How is this possible?!"

It wasn't the Title Douluo status itself that shocked him, but the fact that Lin Fan had leapt from Soul Sage to Title Douluo in just eleven short years.