Three months later.
During this time, Lin Fan had been coaching Zhu Zhuqing in real combat techniques, helping her eliminate unnecessary and energy-wasting movements.
This allowed her to develop a clean, lethal fighting style, becoming a true ghost in the shadows.
She moved only when she had to, and when she struck, it was decisive and fatal.
"Zhuqing, you've been training by my side for quite a while now. Everything I've taught you recently will serve you well up to the Soul Emperor level," Lin Fan said, as the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament loomed ever closer.
"It's time you return to the academy and work on building synergy with your teammates. The academy's simulated training grounds can also help you improve your spirit power quickly."
"Yes, Teacher," Zhu Zhuqing replied respectfully. "Will you be watching our matches with us?"
"No," Lin Fan shook his head with a smile. "I've had a breakthrough recently and plan to go into seclusion to break through to Rank 96—Super Douluo."
He didn't mention the real reason—he'd be stepping into the tournament as his alternate persona, Lin Xuan.
"Oh…" Zhu Zhuqing looked slightly disappointed.
She had hoped her teacher would watch the tournament with them. His presence always gave her a sense of strength and security.
"Don't worry, Zhuqing. Believe in yourself. I'm certain your Shrek team will win the championship," Lin Fan reassured her, placing a hand gently on her head.
"Mm. Then I wish Teacher a successful breakthrough to Rank 96!" Zhu Zhuqing said with conviction.
"Good. We'll both keep working hard."
As long as Lin Fan completed his system quest and absorbed another 100,000-year spirit ring, breaking through to Rank 96 would be no problem.
He then personally escorted Zhu Zhuqing back to Blue Tyrant Academy.
But now, it should be called Shrek Academy—after Flender arrived, Liu Erlong handed over leadership to him and officially renamed the academy.
More than two months passed.
The commercial city of Heaven Dou had grown increasingly lively. High-level spirit master academies from nearby cities were flooding in for the preliminary rounds of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
The city's economy instantly received a massive boost.
One day, Lin Fan summoned Tang Yuehua to his home.
"Yuehua, I'll be going into seclusion soon to break through to Rank 96," he said, holding her gently in his arms.
"Rank 96? How long will you be gone?" Tang Yuehua, though reluctant, did not wish to hold him back.
"Probably around six months," Lin Fan replied.
After all, the entire tournament—from preliminaries to finals—would span nearly half a year.
"Alright. I'll wait for you at Yuexuan in Heaven Dou City. I'll also stop by here occasionally to tidy up," she said tenderly.
"Yuehua, you're the best," Lin Fan said, hugging her tightly with affection.
The next day, Lin Fan informed Qian Renxue of his "seclusion."
"Oh? You're attempting to break through to Super Douluo?" Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow.
She understood well that while the jump from Rank 95 to 96 might seem like just one level, it was a monumental leap, doubling a soul master's power.
"Just a moment of insight—whether I succeed is another story," Lin Fan said humbly, though he radiated confidence.
"Then let me congratulate you in advance. But it's a pity—you'll miss one of the grandest events in the spirit master world," Qian Renxue teased.
"It's just a tournament. Not a big deal. There'll be other opportunities," Lin Fan smiled and waved it off.
"Since you're retreating, tell me—who do you think will win?" Qian Renxue asked curiously.
"You want to know? The answer might surprise you."
"I'm listening."
"It's neither Spirit Hall nor the Star Luo Empire. It'll be a team from the Heaven Dou Empire," Lin Fan replied with a knowing smile.
"Heaven Dou Empire? You mean the Heaven Dou Royal Team? Or one of the Five Element Academies? That's unlikely. Spirit Hall's team this year has three Soul Kings and four Soul Ancestors, all above Level 45," Qian Renxue said with doubt.
"It's fine to tell you. The champion this year will be Shrek Academy," Lin Fan declared.
"Shrek Academy?! Isn't that where your female disciple is?" Qian Renxue was stunned.
She had heard a few months back that Lin Fan had taken Zhu Zhuqing as his disciple.
"Yes, she's only at Level 43 now—talented, yes—but the whole team is too young…"
"You'll see during the opening ceremony. But let me give you a reminder: don't try to recruit them. Every member has strong backing."
"You know Ning Rongrong's identity, and you know Zhu Zhuqing is my disciple. Trying to win them over will only be a waste of effort—and could even sabotage the plan you've been building for years."
Lin Fan gave a stern warning.
"Alright, alright, since you put it that way, what else can I say?" Qian Renxue conceded, suddenly realizing that this little-known academy might not be so simple after all.
Still, she couldn't help but remain curious—how could Shrek possibly win against Spirit Hall's elite team?
"That's all I have to say. See you in a while," Lin Fan said, turning to leave.
"Good luck on becoming a Super Douluo," Qian Renxue called out behind him.
At Spirit Hall.
"Your Holiness, the Young Miss has reported that Lin Fan is in seclusion, attempting to break through to Rank 96," Chrysanthemum Douluo reported to Bibi Dong.
"What?! Rank 96? Where is he getting the resources for that? And why now, right before our duel—he better not be trying to back out," Bibi Dong's voice grew cold.
"The Young Miss doesn't know either. After informing her, he disappeared completely—no trace left in Heaven Dou," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, envious of Lin Fan's rapid progress.
"Hmph, that Lin Fan is always so crafty. He better hope I don't find him," Bibi Dong said coldly.
In truth, Lin Fan was not in seclusion at all.
He was now acting as his alternate persona—Lin Xuan, the cold and aloof youth.
"Seven days until the opening ceremony," Lin Fan murmured as he arrived at Shrek Academy.
All tournament participants were required to attend the ceremony in person—no last-minute substitutions were allowed unless someone was seriously injured or incapacitated.
This was to strictly enforce the rule that all participants must be under 25 years of age.
Lin Fan presented the Blue Tyrant Academy token to Teacher Yin Shu.
"Teacher Yin Shu, I'm here to fulfill my part of the deal," Lin Xuan said coldly as he tossed the token over.
"Uh… Lin Xuan, I thought you'd forgotten about us," Yin Shu stood up, surprised. "But we're no longer called Blue Tyrant—we're Shrek Academy now."
"Doesn't matter what name it is—as long as I have the right to compete," Lin Xuan replied indifferently.
"The team members are with the Dean. Since the tournament is almost here, you should go meet your teammates," said Teacher Yin Shu.
"Fine," Lin Xuan responded succinctly.