Aside from Tang San and Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai and the others were envious.
After all, that was a Titled Douluo, someone who stood at the pinnacle of the continent.
To become the disciple of a Titled Douluo—how many people would fight tooth and nail for that opportunity?
It wasn't just about prestige. It was a protective talisman while traveling the continent. Anyone who dared make a move against such a disciple would have to think twice about who stood behind them.
Even Flender couldn't help but express his blessing.
"Congratulations, Sword Shadow Douluo, on taking in such an outstanding disciple." Flender stepped forward to offer his congratulations to Lin Fan, then turned to Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhu Zhuqing, now that you're studying under Sword Shadow Douluo, make sure you train hard—you'll avoid many unnecessary detours."
"Thank you, Headmaster." Zhu Zhuqing nodded firmly.
"Alright, everyone," Lin Fan said, his expression growing serious. "I only came here today to see if Zhu Zhuqing had met my expectations."
"And she did not disappoint."
"Next, there are things I must teach my disciple, so I'll be taking her with me for a while to begin her training."
"It's getting late. We'll take our leave now."
"Zhu Zhuqing, come with me."
"Yes, teacher," Zhu Zhuqing responded and followed Lin Fan out of Blue Tyrant Academy.
"So jealous…" Ma Hongjun muttered as he watched them leave, eyes full of envy.
"You little rascal!" Flender suddenly grabbed Ma Hongjun by the ear. "What did you just say? Trying to become Sword Shadow Douluo's disciple? Are you saying being my disciple embarrasses you!?"
"Ahh! It hurts, teacher! I was just kidding!" Ma Hongjun wailed, clinging to Flender's arm.
As they walked, Zhu Zhuqing finally spoke. "Teacher, where are we going?"
"To my home. It's a quiet place—not far," Lin Fan replied calmly.
"Alright." Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
"Zhuqing, the Continental Elite Tournament will begin in half a year," Lin Fan said as they neared his villa near the Douyuan Estate. "What kind of training do you think you'll need to defeat your sister?"
"I don't know, teacher," Zhu Zhuqing said bitterly. "I'm only a level 35 Soul Elder. Even if I push myself, I'll only reach level 38 by then. When I left home, my sister was already a Soul Ancestor."
"There's certainly a gap," Lin Fan said as he stopped walking. "But now that you've become my disciple, even if you can't defeat her in the finals, I can protect you—make sure your clan doesn't cripple your spirit power or take your life."
"Thank you, teacher. But… I truly want to defeat her with my strength—to prove to my parents that I am no less than she is."
"Please, teach me!" Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists, her eyes unwavering.
"Good. You have ambition, and that pleases me." Lin Fan nodded approvingly. "To earn respect, you don't rely on others to fight your battles—it must come from your strength."
"I want, when people respect you, that it's not because you're my disciple, but because of who you are."
Lin Fan sincerely hoped Zhu Zhuqing would one day surpass the shadow cast by her sister, not by relying on his protection, but by defeating that shadow herself.
With that, Lin Fan brought Zhu Zhuqing to his home and arranged a guest room for her.
"This is my home in Heaven Dou City. Quiet and peaceful," Lin Fan introduced casually.
"Teacher, your home is so cozy. These decorations… were they arranged by Mistress?" Zhu Zhuqing noticed many of the touches had a distinctly feminine flair.
"That's right. She stops by occasionally. You'll meet her someday," Lin Fan smiled.
"Alright, you look tired. Between the journey and worrying about Tang San last night, I'm sure you didn't rest well. Take the day to recover. Tomorrow, I'll give you something to help with your strength."
"Understood, teacher." Zhu Zhuqing nodded. She had indeed been traveling without proper rest.
Later, Lin Fan cooked while Zhu Zhuqing settled into her room. They shared dinner, then both turned in for the night.
The next morning...
When Lin Fan came downstairs, he found Zhu Zhuqing already standing in the living room.
"Zhuqing, did you sleep well?" he asked as he descended the stairs.
"I'm fine, teacher." Zhu Zhuqing respectfully replied.
"No need to be so formal." Lin Fan waved his hand casually.
"Oh..."
"Alright, I won't waste any time," Lin Fan said. "Today I'm giving you a special flower. Eat it, and it will raise your spirit power to level 40."
He then took out the Immortal Herb from the original novel—the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone.
"Teacher, this is...?" Zhu Zhuqing asked curiously.
"This is a rare immortal herb that absorbs the essence of heaven and earth. It contains powerful spirit energy—not only will it solidify your foundation, but it will enhance your physique and spirit."
"It's one of the most valuable treasures nature has to offer," Lin Fan explained.
"Teacher, this is too precious. You should keep it for yourself," Zhu Zhuqing said quickly.
"No need to worry. I've already consumed a different herb. Taking another won't benefit me."
"And since I've accepted you as my disciple, there's no reason to be stingy."
"Enough talk—sit on the couch and follow my instructions."
"Alright, teacher." Zhu Zhuqing obediently sat cross-legged on the couch.
Lin Fan handed her the herb and carefully instructed her on how to consume it.
Soon, Zhu Zhuqing had finished eating the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, and Lin Fan stood nearby to guard her in case of unexpected side effects.
By around 2 p.m., Zhu Zhuqing slowly opened her eyes, a dazed expression on her face.
"Teacher… I feel so light," she said, still a bit confused.
"Good. Try sensing your spirit power and martial spirit," Lin Fan encouraged.
Zhu Zhuqing rose from the couch and summoned her Netherworld Civet.
That's when she realized why she felt so light—her entire physique had improved dramatically. Her speed, in particular, had seen the greatest enhancement.
"Teacher, I reached level 40!" Zhu Zhuqing was stunned by her power.
"That's the effect of the immortal herb," Lin Fan explained. "But don't tell anyone about this. When you return to the academy later, just say I put you through special training."
"Understood, teacher," Zhu Zhuqing nodded. She was well aware this kind of treasure was no ordinary herb.
"Good. Take a few days to adapt to the changes. In a couple of days, I'll take you to Sunset Forest to get your fourth spirit ring."
"Yes, teacher." At this point, Zhu Zhuqing's trust in Lin Fan was absolute.
Two days later…
Lin Fan still hadn't taken Zhu Zhuqing out. That morning, a poised and elegant woman stepped into the courtyard.
Who else could it be but Tang Yuehua?
She spotted Zhu Zhuqing tending to the flowers and, with a slightly frosty tone, asked:
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"