Tang Yiran was Tang Hao's cousin. Tang Hao also had a biological sister named Tang Yuehua, making them of the same generation.
The Haotian Sect still had several Titled Douluo, all older than Tang Hao and Tang Xiao. They had once served under the legendary Peerless Douluo, Tang Chen. Among them, four were below level 95, while one had reached the level of a Super Douluo. This Super Douluo was now the strongest force in the sect.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao's father, also a Titled Douluo, was still the leader of the Haotian Sect. However, due to poor health, he had gone into seclusion, attempting to break through the level 95 barrier. In his absence, Tang Xiao had taken charge of the sect.
Both Tang Xiao and Tang Hao were approaching forty, yet neither had reached the level of Titled Douluo. However, with the Clear Sky Hammer in hand, their combat abilities rivaled those of true Titled Douluo.
Aside from Spirit Hall, no other force on the continent could match their strength—Poseidon Island being a unique exception.
Still, Tang Chen's absence left a void. While the sect had kept this fact a secret, the chief worshiper of Spirit Hall likely knew that Tang Chen was no longer within their ranks.
Tang Yiran remained uneasy, but as he looked at Lin Fan and the frail, helpless Ye Keke before him, his resolve hardened. He would never hand them over just because of Ju Douluo's threats. The honor of the Haotian Sect was at stake.
"Even if Grandfather isn't here, the Haotian Sect still has five Titled Douluo, hundreds of inner disciples, and tens of thousands of outer disciples and spirit masters. If Spirit Hall dares to make a move, they will pay a bloody price."
Tang Yiran reassured himself of their strength, then turned his attention back to Lin Fan, Shui Yue'er, Liu Erlong, and Ye Keke as they entered the Star Dou Great Forest.
A few minutes later, Tang Yin looked back and confirmed that the Spirit Hall members were gone. He let out a relieved sigh.
Seeing that there was no immediate danger, Liu Erlong turned to Lin Fan and asked, "Hey, Xiaofan, what's your relationship with the Saint of Spirit Hall? How dare you talk to her like that? You nearly scared me to death! Do you even realize that the Saint is the next Pope in line?"
Lin Fan hesitated before responding vaguely, "Uh… well, we've had some history. I knew her before I met you guys."
Liu Erlong's eyes narrowed, studying his expression. "Just knew her? She didn't kill you today—in fact, she even protected you. I think that Saint girl has a soft spot for you."
Lin Fan scratched his head awkwardly. "No way. She's the Saint of Spirit Hall, and already a Soul Emperor. I'm only level 30. That's impossible."
Liu Erlong tilted her head slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. "Oh, I see. That's good."
Then, suddenly, she grabbed Lin Fan's hand. "Do you like her?" she asked. "Because from the way you talked back there, it seemed… affectionate."
Lin Fan hesitated but eventually admitted, "Well… I do like her a little."
Liu Erlong's grip loosened, and before he could react, she kicked him. "Alright then! Go find her! Keke, let's go. We're not helping him anymore."
Laughing, she linked arms with Ye Keke and walked off.
Lin Fan stood there, baffled. What's with this girl? Why'd she just kick me?
Shaking his head, he decided to focus on something else. "Ling'er, I want to draw a lottery," he called out in his mind.
"Ding ding... Master has two chances to draw. Would you like to start?" Ling'er asked in her sweet, melodic voice.
"Yes, start."
"Ding ding… Congratulations, Master! You have obtained the equipment—Blood Devil's Fury! However, it has a time limit. After the active effect is used eight times, it will be taken back by the system."
Lin Fan groaned. "Again with the time limits?! If you don't draw, it's permanent, but if you do, it's limited… This lottery is as bad as Tengxun's system."
Ling'er responded cheerfully, "It's all randomized, Master! But Blood Devil's Fury is incredibly powerful. You can use its active effect eight times, and as long as you don't use them all, it remains in your possession."
Lin Fan sighed. "Fine." He opened his status screen to inspect the new equipment.
Blood Devil's Fury – Enhanced Edition
Derived from Honor of Kings. Suitable for offensive warriors and assassins.
Base Effects:
Attack Power +200
Health & Stamina +2000
Active Effect:
Super Blood Rage Mode (20 seconds)
Attack Power +1000
Defense Power +1500
Speed +200%
Immunity to control effects (2x)
Attacking an enemy restores health and stamina
Grants a shield equal to 100% of total health (blocks all damage except true damage)
Lin Fan's eyes widened. "A 100% shield?! That's basically an extra life!"
The bonus to health and stamina alone made him feel noticeably stronger. Even without activating skills, his durability had increased drastically.
He checked his total health points.
Base: 1,000
Shadow Blade Bonus: +1,000
Blood Devil's Fury Bonus: +2,000
Total: 4,000 HP
If he activated Super Blood Rage, he'd gain another +1,500 defense and +1,000 attack. That was the equivalent of equipping two extra high-level items.
"This is insane…" he muttered. "I wonder how many levels higher I can fight with this."
However, his excitement was dampened by the fact that the item wasn't permanent.
"Wait… Ling'er, what is true damage? Does that exist in the Douluo Continent?"
Ling'er's voice chimed sweetly. "Of course! True damage in this world comes from hundred-level gods—their attacks ignore all defenses. Some special martial souls and soul skills also have effects that bypass invincibility."
Lin Fan's mind raced. Bibi Dong's second martial soul's sixth skill, Eternal Wound… that's what killed Xiao Wu's mother despite her invincibility. That must be true damage.
Ling'er added, "But don't worry, Master. System equipment can be upgraded! If Blood Devil's Fury is improved, it will eventually gain a true shield, which can block true damage. Similarly, the Invincible Sword can be enhanced to provide true invincibility."
Lin Fan sighed. "Great. But I have to return all the weapons after a while. This Blood Devil's Fury isn't permanent, so I can't upgrade it…"
Ling'er giggled. "Master, please focus on system-related questions."
Lin Fan groaned. "Ugh, stupid system." He decided to save his remaining draw. The last thing he wanted was another useless item.
---
Meanwhile, at the Spirit Hall's Camp…
Bibi Dong sat inside her carriage, staring out of the window as the convoy left the Star Dou Great Forest. She gazed in the direction where Lin Fan had stood, her mind flooded with emotions.
She had tried to push him away, yet when she saw him injured, her heart had ached. She wanted to kill him, but couldn't bring herself to do it. When Ju Douluo had raised his hand to strike, she had instinctively shielded him.
She clenched her fists. "Fate is cruel…" she whispered.
She closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh. "I hope you live well. Never come looking for me. Let me bear this alone."
Yet, deep inside, she knew—she wanted to see him again.